Socialite Sheila Gashumba endorses 'father-in-law' for vacant Uganda Cranes job

FUFA ended its contract with Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin 'Micho' Sredojevic last night, creating a vacant role for potential candidates.

As the search for the next Cranes head coach begins, socialite and TV host Sheila Gashumba has recommended Patrick Kabuye for the position.

Kabuye, a former player of KCCA Football Club, is father to musician Rickman Manrick’s Gashumba’s boy friend.

"Yes, they should give a chance to a Ugandan coach. I believe Mr. Kabuye Patrick will do a great job,” Gashumba posted on her social media platforms.

“He (Kabuye) holds a UEFA category A license, which qualifies him to handle professional European football teams. So why not Uganda Cranes,” Gashumba added.

She further defended her choice and recommendation, as some responses accused her of supporting Kabuye solely because he is Rickman's father.

"One thing about me is that I will support and mention people I know who are qualified for a certain job or position in any field of work, as long as I know they are good at what they do, whether they are present or not."

"Those close to me are aware of this, so if you have an issue with that, then I suggest your friends should drop you as a friend because you are a USELESS friend/relative," Gashumba added.

It is worth noting that Kabuye is a highly qualified 'UEFA A' licensed coach who obtained his coaching badges in Germany.

Kabuye also holds a United States Soccer Federation Level A coaching license, along with several other coaching qualifications.

He has previously been part of the coaching staff for the United States national U-17 team in 2002.

He has coached various youth and senior teams in Germany and the USA, and has also served as a member of the Olympic Development Program (ODP).

Kabuye is a highly educated individual, holding a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Kinesiology from the University of Texas El Paso.

Several football enthusiasts have suggested other local names, including Mike Mutebi, Sam Ssimbwa, Abdallah Mubiru, and many more.

Meanwhile, Micho, who was in his second term as Cranes head coach, still had one year remaining on his contract, having signed a three-year deal in July 2021.

The decision to sack the tactician on Thursday came after Uganda Cranes failed to qualify for the Cote D'Ivoire 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.