Kampala — Uganda Premier League giants Sports Club Villa have officially parted ways with head coach Morley Byekwaso, ending a two-year relation that began with high hopes but ultimately delivered underwhelming results both on and off the pitch.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, June 19, 2025, the club confirmed that the separation was mutual following what it described as "constructive discussions" between Byekwaso and club management.
“This was a mutual decision, reached respectfully,” said SC Villa President Omar Ahmed Mandela.
“We would like to thank Morley for his commitment and contribution to the club… He has done us proud.”
Byekwaso took the reins at Villa Park in 2024, replacing Serbian tactician Dusan Stojanovic, who had left over low pay following a dramatic league title after ending a 20-year drought for the record 17-time champions.
The former KCCA manager was seen as a homegrown solution to Villa’s persistent instability, with a vision to rebuild the club’s identity around youth development and technical football.
Having served in Stojanovic's dugout, he was billed as the right man to continue the success from the 2023/24 season.
However, his time in charge was marked by inconsistency. The Jogoos suffered nine defeats in 30 league games en route to finishing sixth in the 16-team table.
This is not the first time Byekwaso has struggled to meet expectations at the top level.
Prior to joining Villa, he served as interim and later permanent head coach at KCCA, where he also exited prematurely in 2022 after a season that fell short of the club’s lofty ambitions.
At both clubs, critics pointed to his cautious tactical style and lack of a consistent winning formula.
Despite the shortcomings, Villa’s management acknowledged his contributions, particularly in helping stabilize a team that had undergone years of internal upheaval and technical turnover.
The club has now launched the search for a new head coach to “build on existing foundations,” promising further announcements in the coming weeks.
SC Villa’s next managerial appointment will be closely watched as the record champions aim to recapture their former glory.
