Bobby Williamson hits back at Nigeria coach’s slur

Uganda’s Scots manager Bobby Williamson has hit back at Stephen Keshi after his Nigeria counterpart controversially claimed white coaches have gone to Africa just to make money.

As the countdown to Saturday’s opening African Cup of Nations match between hosts South Africa and Cape Verde begins, Keshi’s comments have sparked a storm. Of the 16 coaches at this year’s tournament, seven are from Africa, one is from South America while the rest are from Europe.

Keshi caused controversy when he said: “The white guys are coming to Africa just for the money. They are not doing anything that we cannot do. I am not racist but that’s just the way it is.”

Williamson’s Uganda agonisingly missed out on qualifying for the finals but the former Hibs and Kilmarnock manager has dismissed Keshi’s remarks.

Williamson, who replaced Csaba Laszlo as Cranes coach in 2008, said: “I never came here for the money. I came here for the job, for a new experience and a new working place. I’ve never regretted it. When I first came here, the money I was being paid was just enough to pay the mortgage. It has improved because I have been relatively successful; at the regional African Cecafa tournaments and I’ve also get close to qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations. We are all professionals, if he [Keshi] could get a better job in Europe and earn better money, then I’m sure he would be off like a shot.

“It’s just like most African players who are playing in Britain: they’re not just there for the love of football, they are there to make money.”