EPL participation hinges on EFF’s decision
The 14 times Ethiopian Premier League (EPL) champion, St. George, is considering appointing Serbian coach Micho Sredojevic. However, the South African team, Orlando Pirates, whom he is under contract with, is saying that it is going to be expensive to sign him.
If the Serbian is the chosen person to manage the Horsemen, it will be his third time in charge of the football team.
In a press conference held on Wednesday, July 2, 2019 the club management hinted at several coaches submitting their CVs to manage the club.
Following the poor performance in this season’s EPL, a number of foreign coaches are talking with the club. However, talking to close sources, the next coach will be Micho. He was called up twice to lead the club and his team was crowned champion in 2005, 2006, 2008, and 2010.
During the press conference, St. George’s management explained that there are players which the club is ready to release and sign-on new players. The decision will be made after the announcement of the new coach is made. St. George are placed fourth on the table collecting 46 points after playing 28 matches, with 12 wins, 10 draws and six losses.
It is to be recalled that poor form of the team and bad results have contributed to St. George’s decision to part ways with Coach Stewart Hall.
Serbian coach and former player Micho, who is currently managing Orlando Pirates, is considered to be the first choice for the Horsemen to lead them in the right track for the next season. In his first season in the ABSA Premier League, Micho led the Orlando Pirates to a second-place finish in the league, as well as qualify for the CAF Champions League. He was also the manager of the Ugandan national team. He has an experience in managing several football clubs mostly in the African continent.
It is to be recalled that Micho signed a three-year contract with St. George on July 19, 2004 and led St. George during the 2004/05, 2005/06 and 2007/08 seasons. He was named best coach of the season for the third time after guiding the team to league success in 2004/05 and 2005/06 seasons.
In a related news, the club has announced that as long as their pleas are not met, the club will no longer participate in the premier league.
In its petition letter, the club has explained that the Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) is biased in its decision. Following week 29 EPL match between Fasil City and St. George and after St. George confirmed that it has forfeited the game; the EFF has awarded the three points to Fasil City.
St. George officially announced it will quit the competition if the EFF does not re-consider the decision. The club management has been demanding that week 28’s postponed match against Welwalo Adigrat should be played on home soil. However, the EFF decided the fixture will be in Adama Stadium. But, the club refused to play the match due to the home advantage lost.
In player news, St. George has also released three foreign players. Its appearance in the league will be decided soon after EFF’s final decision.
