Former Super Eagles of Nigeria striker John Utaka has revealed that he has the dream of becoming the first African Coach to win the coveted UEFA Champions League title.
The most exalted club football title, no African manager has tasted success in the Competition and so Utaka is focused on getting the record.
A UEFA A licensed Coach, John Utaka is currently pursuing a UEFA Pro Badge as he evolves into management after a 21-years long playing career that took him to England, France, Egypt etc.
“If the opportunity comes to coach a team in Europe, I will embrace it,” Utaka told DW.
“My dream is to win the trophies that I didn’t win as a player. I want to win them as a coach. We’ve never had an African coach win the Champions League.
“That is a goal for me,” the former Portsmouth forward said.
Currently attached to Montpelier U-19, Utaka is no stranger to achieving historic feats having helped Portsmouth to a English FA Cup title in 2008 and Montpellier to a first ever French Ligue One title in 2012.
To achieve his dream, Utaka will have to work very hard to convince European club owners of his abilities in the face of lack of faith in African coaches among Europe’s top sides.
