Uganda Cranes Head Coach and hero Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic has termed the passing on of Kenyan Coach James Aggrey Siang’a as a “sad occasion” and a huge loss to African football. Micho described the former goal keeper as a “tremendous gentleman” and an “African coaching giant” despite their past rivalry on the touchline.
The former Express FC (Uganda), Simba SC (Tanzania), Gor Mahia, Utalii and Tusker FC (Kenya) boss left to be with his maker early Saturday morning at his Bungoma home, in the Western part of Kenya after a long battle with kidney complications. His wife Hilda Siang’a confirmed the sad news to Soka25east.com.
“It is a very sad occasion the passing away of my dear colleague, a tremendous Kenyan gentleman and African coaching giant James Siang’a, my sincere condolences to the family, Kenya, CECAFA and African football.” Micho said.
“May his soul rest in peace but he will for me remain forever African coaching legend.” He added.
The past rivalry between the two giants is well documented, and has been retold many times.While at the helm of SC Villa (Uganda), Micho and Siang’a who was then Coach of Simba went physical on the touchline during a CECAFA club championship match in Tanzania in 2003. A scuffle ensued and Siang’a is said to have head-butted the Serbian who threw a punch in retaliation when he want for a handshake just before kick-off. Villa won the match 1-0.
“The atmosphere was charged. Simba had just reached the CAF Champions group phase and fans were intimidating, they thought they could scare us. I went for a handshake and I almost received a head-butt. We won the match anyway.”
The rivalry would continue in Uganda when Siang’a took over the reins at Express FC, SC Villa eternal enemies. Before, he coached Tanzania’s Taifa Stars to the final of CECAFA Senior Challenge 2002, losing to Kenya 2-3.
Nicknamed “Abawa” due to his imposing figure during his playing days as a goalkeeper for Gor Mahia, James also handled Moro United and Mtibwa Sugar in Tanzania.
Simba fans have fond memories of the former Harambee Stars Coach; during his reign at “Msimbazi Red” between 2001 and 2003, Siang’a ensued they always bossed their arch rivals Yanga SC in the “Dar Derby” which he only lost once.
One Simba fan Alliy Wazir had this to comment on Facebook after learning about the demise of Siang’a;
“RIP James Aggrey Siang’a you brought Msimbazi Red honor in Africa. If not for brokers you would have taken us to greater heights.”
@bonfacosano
