Vipers part ways with Brazilian coach Robertinho

• Robertinho had previously coached Gor Mahia for a short stint
• He led Vipers to their first ever CAF Champions League group stage
• He is rumored to be headed to Simba

In a surprise twist, Ugandan Premier League champions Vipers SC has parted ways with head coach Roberto Oliveira alias Robertinho with immediate effect.

The club made the announcement on its social media in a statement, and that they were already in the hunt for a new head coach.

The statement reads; “The club would like to thank Robertinho for his tireless efforts as the head coach during his time at the club and wish him success in the future. The Club shall in the shortest time possible come out with a statement on the technical bench leadership following the coach’s departure.”

It is a surprise move especially noting that the Brazilian tactician had seen the side qualify for the group stages for the first time ever in their history. He had also guided them to the title last year and was most recently named as coach of the month for September.

Vipers however suffered defeat in their last match, going down by a soliutary goal to Busoga United. They are currently placed third in the standings with 27 points, two shy of leaders KCCA.

Rumored to be headed to Simba 

The tactician, who has previously had a short stint with Kenyan record champions Gor Mahia is rumored to be headed to Tanzanian giants Simba SC. The club has been under the tutelage of local tactician Juma Mgunda on the interim after they fired their former coach Franco Martin following a short, unsuccessful spell.

Simba’s majority shareholder Mo Dewji tweeted a cryptic message earlier this week asking whether Simba needed a new coach, with Mgunda having done fairly well since taking over on interim.

But with the obsession of having a foreign coach, Simba might just have fished from the neighbor’s pond.

Meanwhile, the club keen to close out the year on a winning note when they take on Prisons FC in their final fixture before the turn of the new year.

The Msimbazi giants take on the Warders on Friday evening at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, hoping for maximum points to ensure the gap between them and leaders Yanga remains at the bare minimum.

Prepared well for the match 

Head coach Mgunda says they have prepared well for the duel and the players know how important three points will be for them.

“We have trained well and the players are in very good physical condition. We honestly expect a very tough match from Prisons but we are ready for it and the players are focused on getting the job done,” the tactician said.

He added; “It will be great to finish the year with a win and it will be a gift for us as a team and the fans as well.”

Simba are second in the Tanzanian Premier League standings with 41 points, six behind leaders Yanga and a win will squeeze that gap to three points with Yanga set to play Saturday.