Express Football Club officially received their trophy and medals as the champions of the 2020-21 Uganda Premier League (UPL) at the StarTimes head offices in Kampala (Soliz House) on Tuesday, 13th July 2021.
FUFA, the league organizers Uganda Premier League and the sponsors (StarTimes) officially handed over the trophy, medals, and special prizes to the outstanding personalities including the top scorer (Yunus Sentamu) and best goalkeeper (Mathias Muwanga).
FUFA boss and CAF Executive committee member Eng. Hassim Moses Magogo was the chief guest during a ceremony limited by numbers because of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Magogo presided over the event as he handed the glittering trophy and medals to the Express delegation.
StarTimes, the main league sponsors were also ably represented by the CEO Franklin Wang and Kenneth Kazooba (content director) among other officials.
Bernard Bainamani (Uganda Premier League), Humphrey Mandu Watenga (FUFA Deputy CEO), and representatives of the champions also attended.
The Express delegation had head coach Wasswa Bbosa, goalkeeper Mathias Muwanga, CEO Isaac Mwesigwa, board member Suubi Kiwanuka, former chairperson Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi, PRO Peter Tabu, Aminah Babirye and among other club staff.
Magogo in his speech congratulated Express upon the momentous victory as he hinted at the need to use television to the maximum for football prosperity.
“I thank all the partners in the broadcast of the Uganda Premier League. FUFA is excited to have such a moment considering the times that we are in. I congratulate Express Football Club. I am excited that programs of the clubs pro agenda are starting to reap on and off the pitch. I am not surprised that Express FC is on the podium. I thank StarTimes for walking with us in these trying times. I inform the football lovers in this country that we need a lot of resources. This StarTimes deal is the biggest deal in Ugandan football. Football in TV generates a lot of money. Football makes its own money. This can be possible via Television. Everybody should work to see that put football on the TV, take football to the audiences of the people; in the sitting rooms via TV. FUFA supports the UPL to a tune of not less than Shs. 1 billion, FUFA also finances the clubs that represent the country on the continent. FUFA finances the medical insurance of the Uganda Premier League as well as the Junior teams. We shall continue doing this to finance the league as well as the prize monies. I thank the UPL board for the work they have done to run the league than politicking” Eng. Magogo stated.
Wang was humbled by Express’ achievement; “StarTimes is proud to be associated with Ugandan football for the third time running. Football is not only for recreation but also a profession. We pride in Ugandans to celebrate locally and internationally. We congratulate the champions.” Wang disclosed.
“This is the victory that I have been yearning for in the last four years. I am humbled for this victory. I thank the team management, my fellow technical staff, players, fans and our sponsors. We are ready to play for a successful title defence as well as good representation on the continent.” Wasswa Bbosa, Express head coach.
Vipers’ striker Yunus Sentamu, scorer of 16 goals was the top scorer and earned a plaque with Shs. 1,000,000.
Express’ Mathias Muwanga was named the best goalkeeper of the season, also taking home a plaque and Shs 1,000,000 cash.
Express will play in the CAF Champions League whilst Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) shall play in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Both clubs will be fully financed by Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA).
