By MICHAEL MIYOBA
ZAMBIA national team coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic was yesterday arrested in Port Elizabeth, South Africa and has since been released on R10, 000 bail.
According to Kickoff.com Sredojevic has had another run-in with South African law enforcement after he was arrested on allegations of sexual assault.
It is alleged that ‘Micho’ was in Nelson Mandela Bay to do tracking and scouting of young talent at the ongoing COSAFA Under-20 tournament.
On Monday, the former Buccanners mentor, who was accused of a similar offence back in 2019 prior to his departure from the club and country, was arrested and appeared in court yesterday.
“Zambian national football team coach, Milutin Sredojevic (51), appeared at the New Brighton Magistrate’s Court on sexual assault charges earlier today,” read a statement from the National Prosecuting Authority.
“It is alleged that earlier this week on Monday 07 December, during the Cosafa Games in Port Elizabeth, a 39-year-old woman was delivering coffee at the Wolfson Stadium when she asked Sredojevic if he would need sugar with his coffee.
“He allegedly said no and disclosed that he needed another type of sugar while pointing at her private parts. It is alleged that the lady complained to her boss, who in turn warned Sredojevic not to do it again.
“Later on that day, the lady went to deliver coffee again at the same stadium and this time Sredojevic allegedly touched her buttocks.
“He was granted R10, 000 bail and his next court appearance will be on February 25, 2021.”
However, FAZ said it is aware of the serious allegations made against ‘Micho’ in South Africa.
FAZ acting General Secretary Joseph Chimpampwe said the association would not comment on the matter until after being fully briefed about the matter by Sredojevic and his legal representatives.
“We will keep the nation updated on the matter without being in contempt of the court process,” Chimpampwe said in a statement issued by FAZ communications manager Sydney Mungala.
Meanwhile, the Zambia Under-20 national soccer team has missed out on qualifying for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations after losing the 2020 COSAFA Men’s semifinal match 5-4 on penalties to Mozambique following a goalless draw at Holfson Stadium in Port Elizabeth.
Namibia and Mozambique will meet in the finals of the COSAFA and eventually represent Southern Africa at the Youth AFCON next year.
‘Sugar’ gets Micho arrested
