- Uganda Premier League
- Wednesday, 13th September 2017
- Express Vs Kirinya-Jinja S.S – Mutesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku (4:30 p.m)
- Free of charge
When Express Football Club takes on Kirinya-Jinja S.S at Mutesa II Stadium in Wankulukuku on Wednesday, the Red Army faithfuls will be assured of one thing – free entrance.
This was confirmed by the club chairperson Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi as token of appreciation for the loyal club fans over the years.
“The match against Kirnya-Jinja S.S is free of charge to thank our dear fans that have stood with the club over the years,” Nakiwala stated.
Express has a new technical bench led by club legends Edward Kalungi, Samuel Kalwaya and Hassan Mubiru.
The trio were called after the resignation of Mathias Lule citing non payment of wages and salaries.
The club ushered in a host of new faces. Rwandese international defender Omar Hitimana returns to the club for another stint, having also played at KCCA in their 2007-08 winning season.
The others are Michael Birungi, Abdul Karim Kasule, John Kisakye, goalkeeper Godwin Buule, South Sudan international Bernard Agele, Geoffrey Agonya, Isaac Katende, Promise Mkpene, Deogratius Othieno, Abubaker Mohammed Kasule, Mubarak Nsubuga, Peter Mutebi, James Easther Ago, John Kisakye Wesley, Steven Bengo, Andrew Ssekayombya, Dan Mzee Sserunkuma, Badru Nsubuga, Michael Birungi Komuhanda, Solomon Galiwango, Tony Kyamera, Jose Maria Lubega and Ronnie Kisekka.
Meanwhile, only 10 of last season’s squad remained. These are; Sam Ssenkoomi (C), Remmy Makumbi, Stephen Luswata, Rashid Nsubuga, Juma Ssebaduka, Sula Jjingo, Joseph Ssemujju, Sharif Muhammed Ochaya and goalkeeper Emmanuel Opio.
“We are ready for the task ahead of us. We are determined to win game after game. This is a mission that we have to accomplish,” experienced goalkeeper Bule told Kawowo Sports.
In Kirinya-Jinja S.S, they face a determined and boggy side coached by Charles Ayiekho Lukula alongside Hassan Zungu.
The Jinja club ushered in 18 new players that included; goalkeeper Emmanuel Rubankene from Big League outfit Paidha Black Angels.
The others are; striker Faizal Muwawu (Nyamityobora), Opoka Atino from Kampala University, Ismail Kawawulo (Nyamityobora), Faizal Muledhu (left back from Sadolin Paints), Sabir Nesta (Paidha Black Angels), Willy Makuro Willy (JMC Hippos), Bertrand Ebode (Master Sport Academy Cameroon), Derrick Sekulima (Kawanda FC), Makon Landry (Savan FC, Cameroon), Andrew Basoma Andrew (Sadolin Paints), Ibrahim Kayiwa (on loan, Vipers), Bashir Mutanda (on loan, Vipers), Mike Mugisha (Water FC), Mustapha Mugoya Mustafa (JMC Hippos), Musa Esenu (on loan, Vipers), Moses Batali (JMC Hippos) and Fred Amaku (Paidha Black Angels).
Ayiekho will find a healthy acidic test to choose the final 18 man team with the old crop that has Thomas Ikarah (goalkeeper), Allan Drajua, Abubaker Otwao, Livingstone Mulondo, Godfrey Akol, George Kasonko, Mark Bamukyaye, Isaac Ntege, Anthony Mayanja and Joel Madondo.
“Kirinya-Jinja S.S is out to prove to many those doubting its potentiality,” Ayiekho disclosed.
Meanwhile, URA will host UPDF in the other game on Wednesday at Namboole stadium.