Uganda Premier League side, BUL football club has sent head coach, Alex Isabirye on a ‘forced sick leave’ for a period of 30 days (one month).
This was confirmed by the club chairman, Silver Alias on Saturday;
It is true our head coach, Alex Isabirye has been sick and has sick family members. He has been absent from work for sometime.
In a true sportsman’s spirit, we have granted him leave for one month so that he heals well and gets back to work in a healthy mood.
He will still get all his benefits including the allowances and salary
In February 2016, Isabirye broke his leg during the CAF ‘A’ coaching course and to make matters worse, has been down with a bout of malaria, making him irregular at his work place.
A couple of weeks ago, health conditions of Isabirye’s mother had deteriorated, but she has since recovered.
‘I have received the letter giving me the rest from work for 30 days and i will respect the leave given to me although doctors would best advise on the duration’ Isabirye told Kawowo Sports.
There is a growing concern however, Kawowo Sports has established, the coach (Isabirye) is discontented by the way management at the Jinja club is taking the matter.
Whereas the club chairman asserts that the leave is in true spirit, Isabirye fears there could be some foul play.
How comes none of my assistants nor any of the team officials do not pick my phone calls.
And denying me access to the training and club matches also bothers me
The club chairman however refutes denying the coach access to the team venue at training sessions and matches.
‘He is free to watch the matches and training if he wants’ Alias, who is part of the Club chairmen attending the Club football symposium at Njeru clarifies.
Conspiracies point to Isabirye who still has about 15 months on his contract as silently losing interest in the job.
A trusted source confirms to Kawowo Sports that Isabirye chips in (on a voluntary basis) to offer ‘free coaching services’ a Big league side, Kirnya-Jinja S.S.
‘He has a contract who bars him from working with other clubs which he is aware of. We are not sure he assists that club (Kirinya-Jinja S.S) but the rumour is there. We however wait to welcome him to the club after the leave’ Alias assures.
Kawowo Sports has also established Isabirye has a divided dressing room with a couple of senior players delighted and ‘relieved’ after his leave.
Interestingly, the BUL F.C official mouth piece, Joseph Mutaka and CEO Salmim Saleh deny any knowledge of Isabirye being accorded any sort of leave.
At the time Isabirye will be away, former Uganda Cranes striker David ‘Tiliika’ Kiwanuka (assistant coach) will assume the head coaching job.
Kiwanuka perhaps is a CAF C licence coach contrary to FUFA’s regulation that the head coach of an Azam Uganda Premier League should at least have attained a CAF ‘B’ certification.
Former player turned trainer, Hussein Kato (FUFA Intermediate coaching certificate holder) will deputize Kiwanuka.
Kawowo Sports will keep the ears on the ground for the upcoming updates.
