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JOHANNESBURG. — The Uganda Football Association have backed Milutin Sredojevic to continue his role as head coach despite being found guilty of sexual assault.

Sredojevic was handed a three-year jail sentence, suspended for five years after being convicted by a Gqeberha Regional Court on two counts of sexual assault. 

The Serbian coach has already confirmed in a strong-worded statement that he would be appealing against the court’s ruling.

He was one of the coaches who applied for the Warriors job.

“These reports are premised on a well-orchestrated plot of some devious and malicious faceless people hell-bent at tarnishing my name and using all means to set me up and cause humiliation to my image,” Sredojevic said in a statement.

“Micho’ as Sredojevic is popularly known is set to return to Uganda this week to continue his duties with the Cranes after appearing in South Africa on Tuesday.

“The Uganda Cranes coach, Milutin Sredojevic asked FUFA for permission to attend to a private matter in South Africa,” a statement said.

“We have this afternoon received information that the private matter has been concluded for now.

“The coach will come back to resume his duties accordingly.”

Sredojevic served as Orlando Pirates head coach over a two-year period from 3 August 2017 to 16 August 2019.

The Serbian had a record of 38 wins, 26 draws and 16 defeats in 80 matches for a win percentage of 47%.

The Serb failed to win a trophy during his time at the Buccaneers with the closest he came to lifting a trophy a penalty shootout defeat to Baroka FC in the 2018 Telkom Knockout final.

Sredojevic was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault and handed a suspended jail term in the Gqeberha Regional Court.

The Uganda national team coach was sentenced to three years imprisonment, which are suspended for five years. 

The 52-year-old’s legal team has also been granted leave to appeal the decision.

The Serbian had appeared back in December 2020 at the New Brighton Magistrates Court on charges of sexual assault.

In a statement, the National Prosecuting Authority said a woman was allegedly assaulted on Monday, 7 December in Port Elizabeth during the COSAFA Games where Sredojevic was in charge of the Ugandan national team.

“A 39-year-old woman was delivering coffee at the Wolfson Stadium when she asked Sredojevic if he would need sugar with his coffee,” it read. 

“It is alleged that the lady complained to her boss, who in turn warned Sredojevic not to do it again.

“Later on that day, the lady went to deliver coffee again at the same stadium and this time Sredojevic allegedly touched her (back).”

The Serbian had a record of 38 wins, 26 draws and 16 defeats in 80 matches for a win percentage of 47% during his time as Pirates coach.

He failed to win a trophy during his time at the Buccaneers with the closest he came to lifting a trophy a penalty shootout defeat to Baroka FC in the 2018 Telkom Knockout final.

Micho also had a stint as Zambia coach and was in charge of Chipolopolo when they beat the Warriors 2-0, in a 2021 AFCON qualifier, in March this year.

Patson Daka was the hero that day, with his brace, powering the Zambians to their big victory — KickOff.com/Sports Reporter.