Allan Okello grateful to sacked Uganda Cranes coach Micho

Uganda Cranes playmaker Allan Okello has expressed his appreciation to fired coach Milutin 'Micho' Sredojevic following the Serbian's dismissal Thursday evening.

Okello was among the first players to send a message to Micho.

He said: "Thank you for everything Micho. I wish you all the best for the future."

The news of Micho's dismissal is the hottest trend in Ugandan sport at the moment, following FUFA's statement that came less than 24 hours before the kickoff of the new Startimes Uganda Premier League season.

On several occasions, Okello was selected by Micho in the Cranes team but missed the team's last engagement with Niger in Morocco due to a nagging knee injury.

"Today, Thursday September 14 2023, FUFA and Mr. Milutin Sredojevic agreed to mutually end the existing employment contract between the two parties," part of the statement released by FUFA Thursday evening said.

"FUFA appreciates all efforts and commitment by Mr. Milutin during his period as Head coach of Uganda Cranes."

Micho's firing was highly expected following the Cranes' failure to qualify for AFCON 2023.

The Serbian Wolf first served as the Cranes' head coach from 2013 to 2017 and helped the team return to the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in 39 years.

In the aftermath of AFCON 2017, Micho moved to South Africa's Orlando Pirates and was replaced by French coach Sebastien Desabre.

But Micho returned to the Cranes' helm on August 1, 2021, and signed a three-year deal, which was meant to expire on July 31, 2024.

Like Micho, Okello also announced this week that he had mutually agreed with Algerian club Paradou to terminate his contract.

The former KCCA FC player remains a hot topic of discussion, with his next move still a well-kept secret at the moment.