Express lived it so late, until the final day of the season in order to secure their status as a Uganda Premier League team next season.
Striker Alfred Leku scored the only goal of the game as the Red Eagles defeated then relegation rivals Masavu FC 1-0 at the Fisheries Institute Grounds in Bugonga on Friday.
Speaking about the game and whole season, head coach Shafic Bisaso highlighted the fact that such a situation Express found them selves in, should be avoided in future.
“I am so delighted that we have finally beat off relegation and stayed in the top tier.
“Today is not about me but about Express FC, one of the traditional big teams in the country.
“We want into the Masavu game wanting to win and God has enabled us achieve exactly that.
“It is such a pity that we put out selves in the situation but happy we have overcome it our selves.
“When you look at the football we have played while in the drop zone, i don’t think it was that bad but to avoid such a situation in future, a lot has to improve a lot in different sectors.
“We were in a situation where we had no quality players and the good ones we had, couldn’t hold into them.
“The foundation and feeder under age groups need to be improved so as not only Express but all top tier teams have a good academy from which to pick and develop young talent.
On what he told the players at half time, knowing that Proline was leading one the other game which meant that the Red Eagles required three clear goals to stay up.
“I want into the dressing room and reminded them for whom they played for.
“I emphasised that Express is a huge team and could not be relegated but above all, told them not to concede as it would make matter more complicated.
On striker Alfred Leku, who had not scored all season but started the most important game in the clubs’ history.
“Leku is not that clinical a striker that he would give you a goal week in and out.
“But he is the sort of player who has a big mentality and is not easily intimidated by pressure.
“I put him in from the start because i believe he is one player who can dig you out of a hole and that is exactly what he did, scoring the goal that kept us up.
On his general assessment I how the league has unfolded.
“It has been one of the most competitive seasons in the history of Ugandan football.
“The trophy was won in the very last day and no one had been relegated till final whistle.
“When you look at the teams, each had the capacity to win games especially at home.
“I would attribute that to the fact that everyone prepared well before and during the season.
“If that continues, a are poised for greater things in future as a country but like i said earlier, the foundation at every club should be strong.
On Express’s season:
“We put our selves in a dangerous situation that suggested that we would be fighting relegation all season.
“It should not be happening but to avoid it, a must learn from our mistakes throughout the season so as in future, they are not repeated.
On his future at the club, the former Soana coach had this to say.
“I am not certain that i will be Express coach next season because a lot has to be considered but everyone will all know the truth very soon.
Express ended the season in 13th position out of the 16 team league table.
With a tally of 31 points, they finished two points above UPDF who lost 4-1 to eventual champions Vipers, despite taking the lead early in the first half.
Proline who surrendered a 1-0 lead to lose 2-1 at home to URA finished second bottom with 28 points, two ahead of Masavu.
Vipers won their first league title in three years while KCCA FC who had won the last two championships finished second after drawing 2-2 in their final game away to Police.
The teams from Big league that will replace the three relegated will be Ndejje University, Nyamityobora FC and Paidah Black Angles.
