By Robert Kayindi James
Jinja Municipal Hippos have unveiled George William Lutaalo as their new head coach, replacing a departed James Odoch and relegating Coach Vincent Lukyamuzi to the assistant role.
Lutaalo penned a one year renewable contract with the struggling topflight side who currently sit bottom of the 16-team log with only two points from seven matches.
He replaces Odoch who at the start of September moved to join Uganda Revenue Authority FC in the capacity of assistant coach to head tactician Kefa Kisala.
Speaking about this appointment, the former Water FC boss said; “I have been in the relegation fight previously and managed to survive so this isn’t a tough one for me because the season has just began,” as quoted by ChimpSport.
His first task will, however, be a tough one as JMC entertain neighbours and town rivals Sadolin Paints FC in the Jinja derby on Friday.
On a similar note, the Hippos’ chairman, Mr. Faisal Muhammad promised full support to the new coach, remarking that; “We assessed all our options and narrowed on him (Lutaalo). There’s no pressure on him because we want him to do his best. We survived last year without a lot of hustles and am sure the season will be good for us with Lutaalo leading the bench.”
Brief profile compiled from online sources:
George Lutaalo is no man short of experience after having been at Police FC, both as a player and later on as an assistant coach to the late Paul Hasule and won the league trophy before joining to Bunamwaya (now Vipers Sports Club) where he only served for a season.
He then moved to Victors FC, a side he guided to the CAF confederations cup in 2008.
He also served at Lira’s Boroboro FC for a few years and also had stints with Masaka LC, Sadolin Paints and Kira United in the lower divisions.