In a surprising turn of events, Alex Isabirye, the head coach of Vipers Sports Club, has announced his resignation after just four months at the helm. The decision comes following a strained relationship between the coach and the Kitende based club, culminating in Isabirye tendering his resignation letter on Wednesday.
In his resignation statement, Isabirye cited a breach of his employment contract as the reason for his departure. He highlighted Article 5, Section 3 and 4, which clearly stated his responsibilities in player recruitment and the selection of his assistant team/staff in consultation with the club management. Isabirye claimed that these clauses were disregarded, and he was unaware of the recruitment of three current team members, including assistant coach Raoul Lukusa Kayembe, and Brazilian players Giancarlo Lopez and Luis ‘Tinga’ Otavio Santos.
Alex Isabirye
“I am writing to confirm my resignation from the position of head coach of Vipers SC due to breach of my contract. Article 5, Section 3 and 4 of my employment contract, states that I am responsible for endorsing players being recruited and choosing my assistant team/staff in consultation with the club management. However, this clause was not honoured and I was not aware of the recruitment of three current members of the team; Raoul Lukusa Kayembe (assistant coach) and two Brazilian Players Giancarlo Lopez and Luis ‘Tinga’ Otavio Santos,” Isabirye said.
Expressing his disappointment, Isabirye emphasized that he was not informed about the new recruitments, including the addition of his assistant and new players. This lack of transparency and breach of trust compelled him to take this step.
“You have consistently and without authority from your employer, absconded from your work and duties as the head coach since 05/07/2023 to date.Despite a formal request from your immediate supervisor dated 07/07/2023, you have still
failed to report for work which actions have negatively impacted the Team’s preparations and trainings. You are hereby informed that in line with the applicable labour laws, you are invited for a disciplinary hearing on Thursday , July, 14, 2023 at St. Mary’s Stadium – Kitende Executive Lounge,” a letter to Isabirye read in part.
“I didn’t a abscond from duty as head coach. I was involved in an accident and had to seek medical attention. I immediately informed the Club CEO Simon Njuba. I am aggrieved by these serious breaches and unreasonable conduct which cast doubt on my role at the club.”
“For the aforementioned reasons, I request that you allow me step aside from my position as head coach.”
The coach also highlighted the unreasonable conduct displayed by the club, stating that he could not tolerate it any longer. Earlier, Vipers had summoned Isabirye for disciplinary action, accusing him of absconding from his duties without reasonable cause. However, Isabirye clarified that he had been involved in an accident and promptly informed the Club CEO, Simon Njuba. The alleged misconduct towards him while recovering cast doubt on his role within the club.
What rumors say
Rumors had been circulating that Isabirye was on the verge of being sacked and replaced by Congolese tactician Raoul Lukusa Kayembe, who was recently recruited as the assistant coach. In an attempt to dispel these rumors, the club released a video showing Isabirye conducting a training session, affirming his commitment to the team.
This development comes just a month after Isabirye led Vipers to a historic domestic double, clinching both the Uganda Premier League and Uganda Cup titles. Despite the team’s recent success, the coach’s resignation brings an abrupt end to his tenure, which had barely lasted four months.
The circumstances surrounding Isabirye’s departure raise questions about the management and communication within Vipers Sports Club. The club now faces the task of finding a new head coach to lead the team forward, while Isabirye contemplates his next move in his coaching career.
