Express striker Birungi targets top three finish

Big dreams. Express forward Birungi believes they will do well this term. PHOTO by e. chicco

KAMPALA. A downcast finale last season, in which Express survived relegation narrowly, has been met with renewed hope and breath of fresh air at Wankulukuku.
New management, new coach, and quite a number of new playing staff – bankrolled by new sponsors and partners, all have the Red Eagles flying again. Err, well… seemingly so at least.
City advocate Kiryowa Kiwanuka, a grandson to club founder Jolly Joe, has come with this fresh energy and new income streams to the club in such a short period that when he speaks, you listen.
He spoke about sponsors and within a week, Equity bank was headlining them. He promised not to interfere in the technical affairs of new Express coach Kefa Kisala, but was not shy in emphasizing what is expected of them.
“The league would be much to ask for this season but top four,” he told NTV Press Box in his early days after taking over at Express, “We are pushing for top four.”
Not a bad target for the struggling six-time champions, who could only survive the drop with 31 points – just a place above relegation. What will impress him, however, is the club’s leading striker Michael Birungi believes they can take the challenge even a notch higher. “I think we are ready to go,” declared Birungi, “We have reorganized. The recruitment was good and the management now is even better.
“Our focus is clear, we want to get back to the top, top three at best. It will be tough but we have to focus on that.”
One trophy that Birungi, who as well admitted it would be a tough ask to demand a league title from a side that survived relegation by the skin of their teeth, believes they will have strong acclaim to this season is the Uganda Cup.
“That is the one,” he told this newspaper, “We are seriously going for it and we have every reason to believe we can win it.”
Express have a strong bond with Uganda’s oldest cup competition. They have won it 10 times, with only KCCA rivalling them at the same number. Birungi, who failed to hit double digits in the league last season, netted three in the Uganda Cup but is determined to improve those numbers this campaign.
“I want to score at least 10 goals in the league at the bare minimum and also help the club in the Uganda Cup”.
“This will help me push for the national team. Every player dreams of playing for the national team. I’m working hard for that, at least a call-up.”
Express last won the league title in 2012, then under coach Sam Ssimbwa.

Full squad for 2018/19

Ronald Mutebi, Mathias Muwanga, Tony Kyamera, Julius Ntambi (Captain), Arthur Kiggundu, Isaac Mutanga,Shafik Nana Kakeeto, Disan Ggaliwango, Hamis Batenga, Charles Lubega, Charles Mutima Musoke, Davis Mayanja, Billy Nkata, Johnny Revita, Pius Mbidde, Jalil Zimula, Nasir Mbabali, Joel Male, Ibrahim Kayiwa, Badiru Nsubuga, Lawrence Kigonya, Tonny Odur, Michael Birungi, Eric Kambale, Rueben Kabuye

EXPRESS FC

Founded: 1957
Home ground: Wankulukuku
Nickname: Red Eagles
Club chairman: Kiryowa Kiwanuka
CEO: Hamza Jjunju
Head coach: Kefa Kisala
Assistant coach: Pius Ngabo
Goalkeeping coach: Mubarak Kiberu
Team doctor: Musa Ibrahim
Club captain: Julius Ntambi

PLAYERS IN

Mathias Muwanga (URA), Ronald Mutebi (Bright Stars), Tony Odur (Vipers), Hamis Batenga, Charles Lubega, Charles Mutima Musoke, Arthur Kiggundu (formerly at SC Villa). Others are Isaac Mutanga, Disan Galiwango, Nasir Mbabali, Joel Male, Ibrahim Kayiwa, Badiru Nsubuga, Lawrence Kigonya, Jonny Revita, Pius Mbidde, Rueben Kabuye and Eric Kambale

PLAYERS OUT

Steven Luswata (Soana, now Tooro United), Ayub Kisalita (Wakiso Giants), Buule Godwin, Jingo Sulaiman, Bwogi Edgar, Hitimana Omar, Ochaya Shareef, Kisekka Ronald, Ndihabwe David, Galiwango Sam (all released)