Basena named Saints FC head coach

Coach Moses Basena has taken over the reins at Azam Premier League side The Saints FC.

He was unveiled to the players on Tuesday at the club's training ground at Ntawo in Mukono.

Basena's appointment came days after returning from the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) in Rwanda where he was the Cranes assistant coach.

The former URA FC coach is the third to take charge at The Saints since the club joined top-flight football last year.

Pius Bamwange, the club's CEO, says Basena - a CAF A holder - will be significance to the side since he comes with vast footballing experience.

On his part, Basena starts new life at Saints with a strong message: "I will not work with lazy players because I am a winning coach.

"That's why I don't have friends in football and I want hard working players. If we don't win the game, let's not lose the game."

He has previously coached Sports Club Villa, KCCA FC, URA FC, Makerere University team and Kira Young FC in Uganda, and beyond the borders, Basena has coached Tanzania giants Simba Sports Club.

Prior to his appointment at The Saints' helm, he has been working entirely as national team coach.

Back at URA, Kefa Kisala, who was Basena's assistant, took over as head coach.

The Saints are struggling, and with the exit of George Best Nsimbe and arrival of Basena, there is lingering belief that the new coach will lift the club out of the relegation zone.

They lie second from the bottom with 10 points.

Last Sunday, Saints beat Nyakisenyi FC 4-0 in Rukungiri district in Uganda Cup at the round of 64. They now face BUL FC at Kakindu Stadium in Jinja in the round of 32 and Basena will hope to start life at Saints with victory.