Bisaso rallies his Eagles after weekend collapse
Rejuvenated. Bisaso found joy at last as a coach at Singo County. File photo
Kampala- The alarm bells at Wankulukuku are well off, especially if you chance a look at the table standings of the Azam Uganda Premier League (AUPL).
Express, the six-time Ugandan champions and record Uganda Cup winners of 10 titles, have won only one game in five second round games; picking only five points from a possible 15.
The latest points dropped were especially painful for the Red Eagles; coming from behind to twice lead before capitulating late to a 4-3 defeat to Police at Namboole on Saturday.
That defeat, Express’ 12th of their woeful season, only compounded Red Eagles woes at the bottom of the 16-team table with just 16 points from 20 matches.
Cup final
Such is the kind of form coach Shafiq Bisaso and his men bring into today’s must-win clash at home to Soana.
“On Saturday,” Bisaso told Daily Monitor yesterday, “We did everything to win the game but in the end we succumbed to pressure. These boys are not used to coming from behind to win a game.
“So we have since then been working on mental toughness. We are telling the boys that coming from behind is normal.”
Bisaso added: “We are also reminding them that they play for Express, one of the biggest clubs in the country and region and they must play as such.
“Now we have 10 games to go and every one of them is a final. I know and trust in my players that we can use at least seven or eight of those matches to stay up. We have the players and pedigree to do that.
Picking positives
“And as we head into tomorrow’s (today) game, we have to pick only the positives from Saturday’s loss and consolidate them. Scoring three goals, the fighting spirit and all…”
Express come up against a Soana side equally hungry for points to escape the drop. They have also picked five points from a possible 15, and sit 11th with eight points more than Express.
The relegation battle day also sees struggling Proline seek their first victory in six second round matches when they travel to Mwererwe to face Bright Stars.
Proline lost their 12th match, a 1-0 defeat to Bul, on Friday to keep them second from bottom on 18 points.
“We are now in a very critical position as we are now fighting for our life in the league,” admitted Proline coach Mujib Kasule after the defeat to Bul.
“It won’t be easy but with ten matches left I think we can fight and change the direction we are taking.”
