Kiryowa demands top-four finish
Smiling all the way to the bank. Kiryowa Kiwanuka and Kituuka hailed the begining of a new age for Express. PHOTO BY EDDIE CHICCO
Kampala- That memorable 58th minute goal by Alfred Leku against Masavu on the last day of the season at Bugonga that secured Express survival continues to gain reputation.
The gangly striker might be playing in Botswana now but his solo strike lifted the Red Eagles from bleakness to dining with big companies at the moment.
Yesterday at Church House, new club chairman Kiryowa Kiwanuka delivered as promised, luring a Shs100m one-year renewable partnership with Equity Bank.
Yes, it is a partnership not sponsorship, because each party has lofty expectations from the renewable one-year marriage.
“I want to assure our partners that the fans will be disciplined. Discipline and accountability will be key aspects in this partnership,” Kiwanuka, a renown lawyer who excelled as president of the Uganda Golf Union, stressed.
Riding on the theme ‘Express-Equity train has started’, Anthony Kituuka, the Executive Director of Equity Bank, unearthed what attracted them to Wankulukuku.
“The year one time lag is a reasonable period for the two parties and fair enough for us. We expect order, discipline and performance. We want to be associated with a football brand that builds community.” The breakdown of the Shs100m remains confidential, according to Kituuka. With money came the necessary pressure, as Kiwanuka tasked the technical department to ensure that they finish inside the top four this coming season. “My partners want results and I have told my technical team not to go lower than fourth this coming season. The following season we will go for the trophy.
“I have done what I was asked to do – bring in money and the technical team must do their part on the field,” Kiryowa said.
The six-time league kings finished 13th last season with 31 points from 30 matches - Kiwanuka insists this is not where they belong.
Digital card for membership and entry
Another novelty at the unveiling function came in form of the digital card that registered fans with Equity Bank can get at Shs50000 to watch all the 15 home games.
“We are going digital, the new deal involves using Express-Equity card that will allow fans to watch 15 home games at Shs50000 (previously it could cost one about Shs75000 at a minimum cost of Shs5000 per game),” Kiryowa promised.
Kituuka admitted they had taken ‘a calculated risk and a leap of faith by joining hands with Express’ but maintained they will renew their partnership after one year because they ‘believe in transparency of the new regime.’
“The card will not only serve as members’ identification, but it is a bank Visa chip and pin card that allows them to access ATM, EquiDuukas, make payments and shop online,” he added.
