It is becoming more familiar than often that Express FC is certain to hire a new coach at the beginning of every new season.
And Kefa Kisala is the next conspicuous figure in the Express FC dugout replacing Shafik Bisaso for the next two years.
The move marks the next Express FC chapter that starts in earnest, and the man tasked with steadying the ship, at least in the immediate future is aman who calls Express FC home and the club terms him as a ‘prodigal son.’
Former player and coach Kisala has been here before in 2006, and his initial stewardship evokes fond memories as he guided Express FC to a Uganda cup triumph.
As a player he secured his legendary status following two different stints between 1992 and 1997 winning two league titles and a haul of five Uganda cups. That is no mean feat!
Virtually it’s hard to judge where Kisala fits in at the top end of the Express FC management table than it is to judge him as a player.
As the latter, he is talked of in high regard- one of the best players to have put on the red eagles strip. Yet however much the former Maji FC, Masaka Local Council, URA FC and recently BUL FC coach enjoys a healthy respect both as a player and a coach in the red eagle’s folklore, he returns to his former club at its lowest ebb.
Dusting themselves from the devastating effects of the 2017/18 relegation dog-fight,the daunting task lurking to restore parity is a glaring one.
Express FC fans are hungry ones, and the demands of supporters at Wakulukuku may dwarf even those of their down town arch-rivals SC Villa fans.
It is too early to class Kisala’s return as a mistake but the signs are abundant that things may not be quite as rosy at the second attempt.
Relegation is something the mighty Red Eagles couldn’t contemplate, either emotionally or financially, and any efforts to revive the club’s fading fortunes hinged on the club safeguarding their top-tier status last season, a feat they achieved albeit in a pale fashion, finishing 13th on 31 points.
Kisala’s chief task is to ensure that the Wakulukuku-based side doesn’t crawl to downs of despair they experienced last season that placed their coveted top-tier status in real jeopardy.
He inherits a depleted a squad devoid of talent and experience and a jaw-dropping surgery is expected to be administered on the playing staff. Yet it is pertinent to remember that the red eagles hierarchy rarely spends on player recruitment, leaving the club to survive on the mercy of rejects and outcasts.
However, one certainty is that Kisala should be restrained in the knowledge that he is walking a well trodden path where many of his predecessors have taken the job with sheer vigor but end-up failing miserably. Be aware Kefa Kisala!
Matia Lule ,Wasswa Bbosa, and lately budding coach shafik Bisaso all failed to capture hearts and minds at Wakulukuku even with the later helping them survive relegation last season on the last day when all hope had been lost.
Sam Ssimbwa eventually became an exception to this status quo during his spell at the club even though his early life was plagued with rope-pulling with some vocal fans. He eventually won over his critics with a league title in 2012 but later moved on after falling out with the then board.
Since then Express fans have been praying for new Ssimbwa to emerge and guide them to the position of champions again. However much the reality has been much crueler, a long list of different managers struggling to cope up with both expectations and a series of economic restrictions.
Wasswa Bbosa managed to overstay in the hot seat for up to four seasons despite uncertain financial situation.However, the eccentric coach walked out after a spat with the vociferous fans and then chairperson Frolence Nakiwala kiyingi.
Matia Lule , appointed in 2017 following the acrimonious departure of Wasswa Bbosa, won over fans instantly for his penchant to unearth young talent and his expansive brand of football. However, he left the club at the beginning of 2017-2018 season citing the club’s failure to pay his six-month arrears.
