The battle for Livingstone Mbabazi’s successor at Mbarara City FC has heated up with two names now emerging as strong candidates for the job.

With an announcement due for this week, Rwandan coach Thierry Hitimana is the stronger favourite to take on reigns at the Ankole outfit ahead of the 2021/22 season.

The 43-year-old has previously worked with top-tier sides in Tanzania including Namungo FC and Mtibwa Sugar FC.

It is at the latter that he had his last coaching job before he was sacked and replaced by Mohammed Badru in May 2021.

Reports close to Mbarara City have indicated that the deal is closer than had earlier anticipated. Sources also report that his rival for the job, Peter Onen could deputize him in case Hititmana lands the job.

The latter is a CAF ‘A’ licence holder who is known for his experience of working with youngsters something he exhibited during his time with the Uganda Hippos( U-17) which he guided to the 2019 U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Tanzania.

Mbarara parted ways with Mbabazi in July 2021 after the latter had reportedly been snapped up by new boys Arua Hill SC.

However, new Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic named him his assistant on Monday and barred him, together with the rest from having club attachments.