Newly signed Lule has work at Proline cut out

Lule (C) keeps a keen eye on proceedings as Richard Ajuna (23) and captain Noordin Bunjo vie for the ball.
PHOTO BY JOHN BATANUDDE

The tangible achievements of Proline’s erstwhile coach Shafiq Bisaso are still very fresh in the minds of the fans and anyone stepping into his shoes ought to deliver a lot more.

His successor Matia Lule, vastly experienced in Uganda footballing circles for his roles at Express, KCCA and Uganda Cranes, trod a cautious line at his unveiling on Monday – striking a balance of hope and what in reality the club can achieve.

First on his plate is the Caf Confederations Cup return leg against Malawi’s Masters Security on Friday (August 23) in Lilongwe in what seems like a routine outing but still largely a potential banana skin.

The Uganda Cup and Fufa Big League winners trounced the Malawians 3-0 at StarTimes Stadium, Lugogo in the first leg while Bisaso still steered their wheel.

“I have been with Proline for a very long time though I have not been in the front seat. I have been working on talent development program. I have come with a lot and found a lot so let us sit down and combine,” Lule said.

Eye-catching football
Proline prides in giving kids a chance to shine whilst playing eye catching football – and Lule, former the U-17 national team coach is expected to excel more at the former.

“I have come to Proline because of football. I couldn’t sit back (after being relieved of his Uganda Cranes duties after Afcon) and I don’t practice my tutorship skills.

“I want to develop as a coach and I want Proline to develop.
“We still lack a few things but we will capitalise on the positives to build a good team,” he added.
The club management has great belief that in Lule and believe that they have a tactician who will ensure Bisaso, out for a year-long coaching course in Europe, won’t be dearly missed.

“He has been with us before and has been helping us with the academy teams. He is not new to the football industry so he knows what we exactly is needed and we believe he is the best person around at this particular point to take Proline forward,” Proline CEO William Bakkabulindi acknowledged.
For now, Lule’s whose contract details remain scanty, doesn’t want to focus on whether the club will be relegated or not but rather on the Caf and league opening tie against Mbarara City on August 31.

CAF CONFEDERATIONS CUP
AUGUST 23, Friday iN Lilongwe
Masters Security (0) vs. Proline (3)
Dedza Stadium