It’s my way or else, you follow the highway, Vipers’ new coach tells players

It is a week since Vipers SC unveiled their new coach from Serbia, Nikola Kavazovic.

And he has already met with the players, who returned to training on Friday, June 21 at the St Mary’s stadium in Kitende. However, following the excitement that is already building up before the 2024/25 football season begins in September, Vipers, who finished third last season, are in the spotlight.

The anticipation will be high going into the season, largely stocked by Kavazovic’s statement during his unveiling. He said that he would rather commit suicide than accept to be killed by players; and therefore, it will only be his way or the highway.

This was such a telling opening statement from a man that was new in the country. But in many ways, it spoke volumes about his intentions, after he signed a two-year deal. Kavazovic, who has been the coach of Ethiopian Coffee football club, comes in with a big reputation.

He led Botswana’s Township Rollers to the group stages of the Caf Champions League in 2018, beating Uganda’s KCCA FC 1-0 in their first game.

He said: “Discipline is key for any team to succeed. That is what I intend to make sure is the case at Vipers.”

For the last two seasons, Vipers’ form has dipped. And by and large, this was attributed to the lack of discipline among a number of players. In fact, there continues to be an exodus at the club, as the management believes it is time for a new order; players with hunger to succeed.

But at the same time, the lack of discipline, coincided with the team lacking in structure, as the club’s supremo, Lawrence Mulindwa highlighted in his remarks.

“We are a business here, and we want to win and dominate. That is why we have gone in for a top coach who can improve us. It was clear to everyone that we were not playing well over the last few months. With the new coach, our intention is to arrest that,” Mulindwa said.

However, Mulindwa, too, has been criticised for being trigger-happy, sacking coaches without giving them due time, like was the case for Leonardo Neiva and Beto Bianchi. Some of his players have not hidden their misgivings about the high turnover of coaches because it has not allowed them to master a philosophy.

Instead, they have always been changing, making it difficult to remain competitive. So far, following Kavazovic’s first sessions, most of which have focused on ball work, the players have already noticed a difference in his approach.

Perhaps the revolution at the club has started. Otherwise, if the players do not heed to his stance, like Kavazovic said in his first address, they will have to leave his team!