In a surprise turn of events, former Uganda Cranes midfielder Charles Livingstone Mbabazi has snubbed an offer to be the head coach at newly promoted side Wakiso Giants to return to his former club Onduparaka FC.
Mbabazi was one of the forerunners for the Wakiso Giants job and inside sources indicate that the CAF B licensed tactician had already agreed on a deal to take over as their new head coach after the club parted ways with their former coach Ibrahim Kirya.
And to that understanding, Mbabazi then tendered in his resignation from his role as head coach at Mbarara City.
However, Mbabazi was then chosen to be part of the coaching staff of the Uganda Cranes for the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (Cosafa) tournament in South Africa, and the deal was subsequently put on hold until his return from the tournament.
Sources close to Mbabazi also indicate that he had contacted a number of coaches to be part of his backroom staff at the Purple Sharks and had an understanding with a number of players about joining him once he is confirmed as head coach at the Club.
“Wakiso were confident they had gotten their man. Everything was moving on smoothly between both parties. The club and Mbabazi’s representatives met a couple of times to discuss the move,” revealed a source inside the club.
However, after the Cosafa tournament, Mbabazi seemed to have second thoughts about joining Wakiso with the coach cutting off communication with the club and disappearing in thin air.
And surprisingly, he resurfaced yesterday evening only to be unveiled as the new head coach at West Nile side Onduparaka. With the club confirming the deal on via their social media platforms.
“Coach Charles Livingstone Mbabazi rejoins Onduparaka FC on a three year deal from Mbarara City FC”. Read a statement on the club’s Twitter account.
Mbabazi was formerly the head coach at Onduparaka close to two years ago and resigned his role citing civil wars and tribal discrimination. He sought refuge at Kyetume and later Mbarara City Football Club.
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