*Demoted to head academy
By Ben Alozie
Former Nigeria International, Emmanuel Amuneke has been relieved of his job as head coach of Egyptian side, El-Makkasa and demoted to head the club’s academy.
The former African Football of the Year was appointed as head coach of Egyptian Premier League side on 2 February.
“Amuneke will be the director of the club’s academies that we are planning to launch across Africa – the first of which was recently opened in Tanzania”, El-Makkasa added.
Egyptian side Misr El-Makkasa, yesterday confirmed that Amuneke has been relieved of his job less than a month in the role.
El-Makkasa only announced the appointment of Amuneke on 2 February after they ended the contract of former coach Ahmed Hossam Mido.
The club issued a statement on Sunday, naming Ehab Galal as the new coach with Amuneke deplored to the academies as the Director.
“We reached an agreement with Ehab Galal to lead the team and he will start on Monday as the team prepares to play against Aswan in the Egyptian League,” the statement said.
“Amuneke will be the director of the club’s academies that we are planning to launch across Africa – the first of which was recently opened in Tanzania”, El-Makkasa added.
Amuneke led El-Makkasa in three games in his short tenure – against Smouha and Al Entag Al Harbi which both ended in 1-1 draws and then a 0-1 defeat to Tala’ea El Gaish in the Egyptian Cup.
El-Makkasa are struggling in the Egyptian league, lying in 16th place on 14 points.
Reacting to the development, Amuneke said: “Nobody sacked me. I am still with the team. El-Makassa is a big club. The academy is a big project for the company and the country. Maybe because I played here, they preferred me to other top Africans that wanted the job. They want me to head.
“I am a bit surprised. I will have to think about it and know if it will benefit me – not in economic terms but also from sporting aspect.”
