Express FC defender Enock Walusimbi was a very happy man on Tuesday after he was named Captain for Uganda’s team for the upcoming CECAFA (U-23) Senior Challenge Cup. On the same day, his side won the 2020/21 Uganda Premier League title after FUFA ended the league prematurely due to Covid-19 disruptions.
Walusimbi is the only Express player to make the grade from the 25-man sqaud named by the head coach Moley Byekwaso on Tuesday and the versatile defender is looking forward to capitalizing on the call up.
“I am so happy that I got the opportunity to Captain the U-23 CECAFA Cranes squad at the tournament. It feels good as a player and I feel great that they’ve selected me to lead these great players and I know we (players) shall work together with the coaching staff to make sure we bring the CECAFA trophy back to Uganda,” Walusimbi told the club website.
The ending of the season on Tuesday earned Express its first league title in almost nine years and also sealing a CAF Champions league spot for the first time in 26 years.
Walusimbi says that the club’s heroics overjoyed him and is honored to be wearing the Red Eagles armband.
“I basically was speechless, the boys and everyone at the club deserve this title,” Walusimbi said adding that,” Walusimbi said adding that; “we approached each game like a final and for us to be rewarded this way is simply fantastic, I know we have to stay safe and in the near future we shall surely celebrate this victory.”
Meanwhile, the CECAFA bound team will camp in Saudi Arabia before heading to Ethiopia for the showpiece which kicks off on 17th July.
The Squad
Goalkeepers:
Lukwago Charles (KCCA FC), Eric Kibowa (UPDF FC), Matovu Hassan Muyomba (KCCA FC)
Defenders:
Enock Walusimbi (Express FC) (C), Abdul Aziiz Kayondo (Vipers SC), George Kaddu (Wakiso Giants FC), Musa Ramathan (KCCA FC), Kenneth Ssemakula (BUL FC), Magambo Peter (KCCA FC)
Midfielders:
Bobosi Byaruhanga (Vipers SC), Abdul Karim Watambala (Vipers SC), Kyeyune Saidi (Unattached), Steven Sserwadda (KCCA FC), Bright Anukani (KCCA FC), Isma Mugulusi (Busoga United FC), Salim Abdallah (SC Villa).
Forwards:
Mukwala Stephen Dese (URA FC), Ivan Bogere (Wakiso Giants FC), Saddam Masereka (SC Villa), Julius Poloto (KCCA FC), Richard Bassangwa (Vipers SC), Najib Yiga (Vipers SC), Hakim Kiwanuka (Proline FC), Derrick Kakooza (Police FC), Samuel Ssenyonjo (KCCA FC)
Morley Byekwaso – Head Coach
Simeon Massa -Assistant Coach
Stephen Billy Kiggundu-Goalkeeping Coach
