Okuka steps up for Serbia and Montenegro

Short-term contract
The 50-year-old Okuka has signed a contract until the end of the current UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying campaign. The group stage runs until 12 October, and if Group 7 leaders Serbia and Montenegro maintain their position as one of the section's top two teams, they will enter the play-offs next November for the final tournament in summer 2006.

Title triumphs
Okuka began his playing career with Bosnia-Herzegovnian club FK Velez, where he played 450 matches before a spell in the Swedish league. He moved into coaching in 1994, taking over at FK Becej, and has since coached a number of clubs, winning league titles with FK Obilic in 1998 and Polish side Legia Warszawa four years later.

'Talented generation'
"This is a huge step in my career," said Okuka, whose side host group rivals Spain on 29 March. "I will do everthing to make us successful, and our first task is to qualify for the European Championship. Spain are a great football name with an excellent team but I believe we are their equals in all areas, with a very talented generation. I am convinced we will finish in the top two in our group."