New dawn as Desabre appointed Uganda Cranes coach
What you need to know:
- He replaces Serb Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic who left the job in July over unpaid wages.
- Just on Wednesday, Desabre had helped Ismaily thrash El Raja 5-0 in the Egyptian Premier League before jetting out to put pen-to-paper on a three-year deal.
- He leaves Ismaily top of the Egyptian Premier League with 37 points from 16 games, while giants Al Ahly are second with 30 points from 13 games played.
Frenchman Sebastien Desabre first fell in love with African football eight years ago, and has now taken it to another level by handling his first national team - Uganda Cranes.
As he was unveiled at Fufa House on Thursday, in a packed press room, the 41-year-old kept his cool and looked every inch of a man on a mission.
"Thanks to the federation for the confidence they have showed in me,” Desbare said.
"I have worked for eight years with big clubs, it is another step in my career with the national team," he said in a deep French accent.
He replaces Serb Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic who left the job in July over unpaid wages. Former assistant Moses Basena has been in charge on interim basis and Fufa are sending him to the US next year for a coaching course.
Just on Wednesday, Desabre had helped Ismaily thrash El Raja 5-0 in the Egyptian Premier League before jetting out to put pen-to-paper on a three-year deal.
He leaves Ismaily top of the Egyptian Premier League with 37 points from 16 games, while giants Al Ahly are second with 30 points from 13 games played.
"I'm very glad to be here, we have the same target together and I want to improve my knowledge and improve the Uganda team.”
"It is an honour for me to improve the national team and I’m looking forward to the Chan although it comes quick," Desbare, in a neat fitting grey suit with matching dark blue shirt, said.
CHAN CHALLENGE
Uganda Cranes’ team for next month’s Africa Nations Championship (Chan) in Morocco had already been named. While Desabre joined training Thursday, his involvement is minimal.
You could call him a journeyman for his brief stints at ESC Rocheville (France) as an assistant, ASEC Mimosas (Cote d’Ivoire), CS Garoua (Cameroon) and ES Tunis (Tunisia).
Stints at Clube Recreativo Desportivo Libolo (Angola), Dubai Club (United Arab Emirates), JS Saoura (Algeria), Wydad Athletic Club (Morocco) and Ismaily litter his CV.
"I have one personal objective to improve year by year. I worked with the biggest club in Africa. I will improve with the Uganda team because I have coached in Egypt which to me is the best in Africa. It’s a big contract and we have the time," he insisted.
"Sebastian is an experienced coach within Africa. He passed the evaluation system and we are glad he has accepted to come in to perform under a three year contract," Fufa chief executive officer Edgar Watson said.
"We agreed to engage the coach through a confidential contract and we won’t say much about his salary."
It is presumed Desambre, to be deputised by Mathias Lule as the immediate assistant coach and Fred Kajoba (goalkeeping coach), will bag a monthly pay of Sh2 million (US$20,000).
As he prepared to take on the team training later on Thursday at Namboole, Desabre promised to unleash an attacking football philosophy because he knows some players in the Cranes already.
DESAMBRE AT A GLANCE
Date of birth: Aug 2, 1976
Place of birth: Valence, France
Age: 41
Nationality: French
Trainer licence: Uefa A License
Preferred formation: 4-2-3-1
Clubs managed: ESC Rocheville (France) as assistant, ASEC Mimosas (Cote D'Ivoire), CS Garoua (Cameroon), ES Tunis (Tunisia), Clube Recreativo Desportivo Libolo (Angola), Dubai Club (United Arab Emirates), JS Saoura (Algeria), Wydad Athletic Club (Morocco) and Ismaily
