At the start of the just concluded Uganda Premier League season, hardly a pundit or a fan fancied The Saints to clinch survival.
Having been promoted from the Big League last year as runners up, an instant return to the country’s second tier league was all local football fans thought of the newcomers.
Expectedly so, the side spent the entire first round locked down the basement with terrible and mediocre results the order of the day.
Then under George ‘Best’ Nsimbe, the club managed just two wins, amassed nine losses – the most of any team before the turn of year- and scored only eight goals.
Nsimbe left the team lying second from the bottom with ten points from fifteen games.
All signs pointed to relegation and the former league winning coach with KCCA looked lost for ideas with his blatant attack.
It was not until the appointment of Moses Basena that The Saints’ season positively changed.
Under his tenure, the power of positivity has been underlined at the club and the confidence in the team has been overwhelming.
With his famous “I hate losing” quote, he precisely made it clear to everyone what a winning coach he’s and therefore hard work and positive attitude were a must.
After assuming the top seat, the former Simba tactician went on player recruitment and had a number of them join the club on loan.
Among them were goalkeeper Yasin Mugabi, Yasin Mugume, Owen Kasule who along with them came experience.
His signings were very instrumental in retaining the league status.
It should be remembered that Mugabi scored the winning goal against Maroons that confirmed survival on May 6 with two games to spare.
Basena who signed a six months contract presided over the collection of 27 points from the possible 45.
Only Express (30) and the eventual champions KCCA (28) accumulated more points than The Saints since his takeover.
His attacking mindset and the winning mentality he instilled in the boys harvested gratifying results. Only Express (9) garnered more wins than The Saints (8) in 2016.
Contrary to what his style is believed to be (defensive) quick build ups and direct play were always witnessed and fans were always treated to thrilling encounters.
Evidently so, a much goal-hungry Saints showed up in the second round. Under Basena, only URA (30), Soana (30), and SC Villa (24) scored more goals than The Saints (22).
With his finely-tuned defence, his team balance was by far unmatched.
