Can Eagles fly?
Nov 19, 2002
EXPRESS FC will start another season like they have done the past five. A new coach in place, the executive fighting to retain their power and new players in place
By Fred Kaweesi and Norman Katende
EXPRESS 2002-2003 season
League wins - 5 titles
Chairman - Godfrey Kirumira
Manager - Elias Sserunjogi
Coaches- Leo Adraa and Richard Kirumira
Captain- yet to be named
Home - Mutesa II stadium- Wankulukuku
Colours - Red and white
EXPRESS FC will start another season like they have done the past five.
A new coach in place, the executive fighting to retain their power and new players in place.
The sole difference this time is that there are no new signings from the big clubs. Instead, a crop of young players have been spotted by Express’ multitude of scouts.
Godfrey Kirumira, the incumbent supremo, whose reign has been littered with much potential but little in way of achievements, believes, albeit belatedly, that only a team reminiscent of David Otti’s dream squad of the early 90s can revamp the club’s dismal fortunes.
“The trophy is out of our imagination this season. We are looking at the future and the only way to get there is by recruiting younger players. That is why we have axed all those old players who were a disgrace to us,†said Kirumira.
However, the majority of Express fans who are hungry for glory do not share Kirumira’s long term vision. A league trophy, and nothing less is all that can quench the thirst of the notorious Red Army.
New coach Leo Adraa, is charged with the role of ensuring a great start with a win on Sunday in their opening fixture against Top TV.
And though Wankulukuku stadium is yet to be approved as the genuine ground for the club’s league matches by the league committee, the fans believe that there ‘Mecca of football’ should help mark a rebirth.
The ground was refereed to as Kattiro (place of death) where very few clubs will walk off with maximum points.
The scenes of excitement and massive attendance during the club’s afternoon training sessions in the past one month are a reason to be hopeful.
Adraa also has the talented quartet of Tote Songe, Hassan Mubiru, Andrew Mukasa and Fred Okello at his disposal — on paper, the best attack in the league.
Equally encouraging will be gifted centre half Francis Gonzaga whose career had regressed following his failure to secure a place in the national team. He has since undergone a startling renaissance.
Defender Bana Zidane’s trademark Congolese swift pace and active brain should offer added impetus to the club’s defence.
National goalkeeper Abdul Salim Magoola will be a reliable last man.
Midfield general Wasswa Bbosa is however the team’s pivot, according to the coach.
“He is my strongman in midfield. I want Bbosa to transmit that character—I will make him the point of reference for my team in the coming season,†says Adraa.
And it will be these that should be outstanding in the core team of 23 players who will be basis of Express’ exploits in the season.
The CAF Cup will provide the continental challenge.
Express’ squad of 23
Abdul Salim Magoola, William Tamale, Abed Bironse, Richard Malinga, Peter Rwebuga, Hesborn Mundia, Hassan Mubiru, Andrew Mukasa, George Bukenya, Juma Kaka, Mike Dembe, Toto Songe, Fred Okello, Francis Onyango, Sula Lusonda, Hakim Leyi, Edward Bwoye, Francis Gonzaga, Jimmy Kidega, Ismail Kintu, Ibrahim Buwembo, Collins Abiri and Bana Zidane.
EXPRESS 2002-2003 season
League wins - 5 titles
Chairman - Godfrey Kirumira
Manager - Elias Sserunjogi
Coaches- Leo Adraa and Richard Kirumira
Captain- yet to be named
Home - Mutesa II stadium- Wankulukuku
Colours - Red and white
EXPRESS FC will start another season like they have done the past five.
A new coach in place, the executive fighting to retain their power and new players in place.
The sole difference this time is that there are no new signings from the big clubs. Instead, a crop of young players have been spotted by Express’ multitude of scouts.
Godfrey Kirumira, the incumbent supremo, whose reign has been littered with much potential but little in way of achievements, believes, albeit belatedly, that only a team reminiscent of David Otti’s dream squad of the early 90s can revamp the club’s dismal fortunes.
“The trophy is out of our imagination this season. We are looking at the future and the only way to get there is by recruiting younger players. That is why we have axed all those old players who were a disgrace to us,†said Kirumira.
However, the majority of Express fans who are hungry for glory do not share Kirumira’s long term vision. A league trophy, and nothing less is all that can quench the thirst of the notorious Red Army.
New coach Leo Adraa, is charged with the role of ensuring a great start with a win on Sunday in their opening fixture against Top TV.
And though Wankulukuku stadium is yet to be approved as the genuine ground for the club’s league matches by the league committee, the fans believe that there ‘Mecca of football’ should help mark a rebirth.
The ground was refereed to as Kattiro (place of death) where very few clubs will walk off with maximum points.
The scenes of excitement and massive attendance during the club’s afternoon training sessions in the past one month are a reason to be hopeful.
Adraa also has the talented quartet of Tote Songe, Hassan Mubiru, Andrew Mukasa and Fred Okello at his disposal — on paper, the best attack in the league.
Equally encouraging will be gifted centre half Francis Gonzaga whose career had regressed following his failure to secure a place in the national team. He has since undergone a startling renaissance.
Defender Bana Zidane’s trademark Congolese swift pace and active brain should offer added impetus to the club’s defence.
National goalkeeper Abdul Salim Magoola will be a reliable last man.
Midfield general Wasswa Bbosa is however the team’s pivot, according to the coach.
“He is my strongman in midfield. I want Bbosa to transmit that character—I will make him the point of reference for my team in the coming season,†says Adraa.
And it will be these that should be outstanding in the core team of 23 players who will be basis of Express’ exploits in the season.
The CAF Cup will provide the continental challenge.
Express’ squad of 23
Abdul Salim Magoola, William Tamale, Abed Bironse, Richard Malinga, Peter Rwebuga, Hesborn Mundia, Hassan Mubiru, Andrew Mukasa, George Bukenya, Juma Kaka, Mike Dembe, Toto Songe, Fred Okello, Francis Onyango, Sula Lusonda, Hakim Leyi, Edward Bwoye, Francis Gonzaga, Jimmy Kidega, Ismail Kintu, Ibrahim Buwembo, Collins Abiri and Bana Zidane.