The double-winning tactician was then all praises and respect for his equal, Wasswa Bbosa, who will be on the touchline for Mbarara.
It will require utmost grit and grind if Express FC are to pick positive results in their visit to Mbarara City FC at Kakyeka Stadium on Friday.
Express head coach Alex Isabirye is fully cognizant of what awaits his team at a truly tricky ground.
![](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/08012024/b024dae4-9464-4bc6-b97b-a8df315134e0.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
"We don't expect an easy game against Mbarara City because it's one of the hardest teams to beat when they are at home," Isabirye told the club media ahead of the match.
The double-winning tactician was then all praises and respect for his equal, Wasswa Bbosa, who will be on the touchline for Mbarara.
![A gem! - Fans hail youngster Patrick Kakande as he shines to guide Villa past Maroons](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/01022024/5f213279-765e-4e51-a042-a9c111087642.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
17:16 - 01.02.2024
UGANDA PREMIER LEAGUE A gem! - Fans hail youngster Patrick Kakande as he shines to guide Villa past Maroons
In the aftermath, local football enthusiasts took to social media to heap praises on Villa's hero.
"They have a very good coach (Wasswa Bbosa), who has changed a lot at the team, so I don't expect an easy game."
"But like I say, I try to prepare these players to have a winning mentality; we go there with the same motive," added Isabirye.
![All the six Express signings in the January window](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/01022024/ba1bb9b0-800d-48fd-b4b3-dccd15f70503.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
10:39 - 01.02.2024
All the six Express signings in the January window
The Red Eagles particularly needed worthy replacements for the departed Emmanuel Alex Wasswa and defenders Dennis Otim as well as Arthur Kiggundu.
Meanwhile, midfielder Ramz Kawooya reiterated the team's readiness to mount a fight against the Ankole Lions.
"The team is in good spirits, in great shape, and ready for the game against Mbarara."
![Abdu Lumala's long, emotional and soothing farewell to Vipers](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/01022024/b1bf4f77-18fb-4d07-a2db-8ea5fd5c8345.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
12:14 - 01.02.2024
Abdu Lumala's long, emotional and soothing farewell to Vipers
In his touchy farewell remarks, Lumala was all praises for the club honchos for the opportunity to don the shirt.
While Express sit a decent sixth with 25 points, Mbarara occupy 11th on the 16-team log with 17 points after 15 games.
![Bagoole, Sserubiri and the six other players that have joined Gaddafi FC](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/01022024/6bccad26-aa83-414d-9799-d3bd2aaf7186.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
13:36 - 01.02.2024
Bagoole, Sserubiri and the six other players that have joined Gaddafi FC
The final piece of business had the Army side net down Vipers SC midfielder David Bagoole on a six-month loan deal.
The two sides played out a barren stalemate when they met in the first round at the Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku.