2017 Uganda Cup Round of 16
Express Vs Masavu – Wankulukuku Stadium, 4:00 p.m
- This will be the first meeting between the two sides.
- Masavu is playing the Uganda Cup for the second time
- Express is the record Uganda Cup winners with 10 titles under the belt (1985, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1997, 2001, 2003, 2006 and 2007)
- Express players had staged a sit down strike in the previous four days over unpaid wages
- Masavu Technical Director Alex Gitta will seat on the team bench in place of Allan Kabonge (yet to clear the fine imposed by FUFA for abusive language towards a match referee).
- Gitta will face his former side for the first time since being sacked by Express chairperson, Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi
On Wednesday when Masavu beat Baza Holdings in the FUFA Big League, among the many spectators following the game at the Kitubulu Forest Reserve playground was Mathias Lule.
Lule is the head coach for Express Football Club, the record winners of the Uganda Cup with 10 titles under the belt.
The CAF ‘A’ certified tactician was keen to follow the game, paying special attention to finest details as he noted in his small note book.
Lule left shortly after Masavu had scored the lone goal of the game through experienced forward Charles Odeke.
In an interview with Kawowo Sports, Lule, also a German trained coach, hinted on the reason why he spied on Masavu.
I wanted to know how they approach the game and basically how they play because I have been hearing about the team and had no idea how they play.
Now that Lule witnessed Masavu, a club on the verge of promotion to the Uganda Premier League in action, he has a rough sketch of the team his charges will encounter at their once intimidating Wankulukuku stadium.
For starters, Express has won the Uganda Cup the most times having tasted glory in 1985, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1997, 2001, 2003, 2006 and lately 2007.
It is exactly 10 years since the Red Eagles have not won the cup, arguably the oldest knock out competition on the land.
Against Masavu, Express will encounter a rigid, physical and a bit individualist side.
One side that has depended on the physicality of a few characters as Brian Nsubuga and Lawrence Bakiranze at the back, Solomon Wafula (midfield) as well as the lanky center forward Odeke.
The game comes timely for Alex Gitta who will be on the touch line following the failure of Allan Kabonge to clear the fine to return to the touch line.
Gitta has vowed to give his best for the match;
I know Express inside out with the strength and weaknesses which i will only share with my players.
I want to punish them because we want a double at Masavu (Uganda Cup and Big League trophy)
Mild Strike at Wankulukuku:
Express players have of late absconded from training citing failure for the club to clear their outstanding dues in allowances and salaries.
A few players managed to return for training on Thursday and Lule was quick to dismiss the strike as ‘small internal problems’.
We resumed training a few days ago and everything is set for the Saturday match. The talk of players’ strike was just a small internal problem that was averted.
Express will dwell upon the experience of skipper Ibrahim Saddam Juma, the robust attitude of midfielders Derrick Tekkwo, Simon Sserunkuma and Allan Kyambadde, towering goalie Emmanuel Opio and the once dancing left footed diminutive winger Sulaiman Jjingo.
Noah Semakula remains a big doubt for the match after a knock.
Kenneth Tumusiime (work commitments) and right back Moses Kiggundu (groin) will miss out for Masavu as utility player Fred Umony formerly of Bwala and Nkumba University returns following a red card against Hope Doves at the Mutesa II Stadium last Sunday.
To reach this stage, Express eliminated Doves All Stars 4-3 on penalties after normal time had ended goal-less.
Masavu on the other hand, walloped Eastern regional side Igombe 5-0 in a game striker Peter Lumolo scored four goals.
The winner will progress to the quarter final to join Paidha Black Angels and Vipers Sports Club.
Vipers S.C is the cup reigning champion, a tag that earned them the rights to represented Uganda at the CAF Confederation Cup.
Uganda Cup (formerly Kakungulu cup) Winners since 1971:
1971 –Coffee F.C
1972-1975-Not Held
1976– Gangama F.C
1977– Simba F.C
1978 – Nsambya F.C
1979 – KCC F.C
1980 – KCC F.C
1981 – Coffee F.C
1982 – KCC F.C
1983 – SC Villa
1984 – KCC F.C
1985 – Express F.C
1986 – SC Villa
1987 – KCC F.C
1988 – SC Villa
1989 – SC Villa
1990 – KCC F.C
1991 – Express F.C
1992 – Express F.C
1993 – KCC F.C
1994 – Express F.C
1995 – Express F.C
1996 – UEB S.C
1997 – Express F.C
1998 – SC Villa
1999 – Mbale Heroes S.C
2000 – SC Villa
2001 – Express F.C
2002 – SC Villa
2003 – Express F.C
2004 – KCC F.C
2005 – URA F.C
2006 – Express F.C
2007 – Express F.C
2007/8 – Victors S.C
2008/9 – SC Villa
2009/10 – Victors S.C
2010/11 – Simba S.C
2011/12 – URA F.C
2013/2013 – Sports Club Victoria University
2013/2014 – URA F.C
2014/15 – SC Villa
2015/16 – Vipers Sports Club