Express chairman warns of a new era as team signs pact with Equity bank
The new Express Football Club chairman, Kiryowa Kiwanuka has promised to return the good old days at the Wankulukuku based club, the Nile Post reports.
Express, nicknamed the Red Eagles survived last season’s relegation by a whisker on the last day and finished 13th on the 16 team log of the Uganda Premier League.
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On Thursday, Express FC signed a year’s partnership deal worth shs100 million with Equity bank.
“Express has started their journey to where we belong and this is the first step,”Kiwanuka said during the unveiling function held at the Equity bank head offices in Kampala.
New Sheriff in town
Describing himself as the new sheriff in town, the seasoned lawyer said it is high time a lot of things changed at the club founded by his grandfather, Jolly Joe Kiwanuka in 1957.
He insisted that Express is a way of life adding that he is here to change the face of the team.
“This club existed before many of us and I will not hesitate to close the stadium (Wankulukuku) if the fans have indiscipline. There is a new sheriff in town and that is myself.”
Express FC fans have for many years been characterized by violence including throwing stones during some of the team’s games especially at Wankulukuku but according to the new club chairman, this has to change.
He says he will not entertain any mediocrity at the former Uganda Premier League champions.
“Football is played on a rectangular pitch with 11 people playing against 11 people. We want to have a situation that will ensure everyone enjoys football.”
Kiwanuka said, “If you can’t take your children to Wankulukuku because there is chaos, who watch football in the future?”
He said his team’s target is fourth position and nothing less than that.
Deal with Equity bank
The shs100 million partnership announced on Thursday will see the introduction of an Equity-Express card that will enable Express fans watch all the team’s home games for shs50,000 only.
According to Kiwanuka, the card will act as the season ticket for home games.
Equity Bank Managing Director, Anthony Kituuka said that as part of their mission to champion socio-economic transformation, they decided to partner with Express FC to help develop the game of football.
“Express FC is an organization with sentimental attachments and we decided to partner with them. We want to build the fans and game of football in the country,”Kituuka said.
“This is a club with a rich history and we think it is destined to reach greater heights. We are at the right place and at the right time.”
Express FC chairman, Kiryowa Kiwanuka said the shs100 million deal with Equity Bank runs for one year but is renewable.
