However, before the first ball rolls, the club's fans have decided to appreciate some loyal servants, including club legends Hassan Mubiru and George Ssimwogerere.
Yet again, Uganda's oldest football club, Express FC, is preparing to make another bow in the 55th season of the Ugandan top flight.
However, before the first ball rolls, the club's fans have decided to appreciate some loyal servants, including club legends Hassan Mubiru and George Ssimwogerere.
Together with former club administrator and lifelong fan Kinobe Abdul, who passed on in 2021, will also be recognised.
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FOOTBALL Express FC: revitalised squad and rising star for the upcoming season
The Red Eagles, who last tasted league glory in 2021, faced a challenging period due to financial setbacks following the departure of their former shirt sponsor, Betway.
"We have a function this Thursday, 21st September, at Wankulukuku which is going to appreciate former club players and administrators for their contribution to the club," Julius Bakunda, the fans chairman, said.
"Some former players to be appreciated include Hassan Mubiru and former captain George Ssimwogerere, while former administrators like Frank Ntalazi and Hassan Bulwadda will also be appreciated," Bakunda added.
![](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/19092023/3c96eeae-2d7b-4f2e-9c9b-b1e7acfe16fa.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
Hassan Mubiru spent up to six seasons with the Red Eagles, winning the Stanbic Uganda Cup thrice and the league's Golden Boot thrice, while George Ssimwogerere captained the side for close to nine seasons.
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Bakunda also highlighted that the late Abdul Kinobe, who was also known as manager for life when he passed on in 2021, and Allan Kayiwa, last season's top goal scorer, will be appreciated.
"We shall also appreciate Mr Kinobe Abdul, he did a lot for Express FC, and since he passed on, we've not appreciated him or his family, as well as Allan Kayiwa, who was the league's top scorer last season."
Kinobe was a lifelong club fan who served in different capacities like team manager and logistics manager, a role he had at the time of his passing.
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Express FC, who will begin their league campaign at home against Mbarara City FC on Saturday, will also use the opportunity to introduce the players to the fans ahead of the new season.