In a bid to uplift a financially-stricken Express side, the club’s fans, through their leadership, have pledged a Shs10 million cash bonus if the team secures victory against league leaders Vipers SC on Friday at Hamz Stadium Nakivubo.
The announcement followed a visit by Express supporters to the team’s training session on Tuesday, amid growing tension over unpaid wages.
Players reportedly threatened to strike due to salary arrears extending over six months, highlighting the gravity of the financial challenges facing the seven-time Uganda Premier League champions.
Julius Bakunda, head of the Express FC fans’ leadership, promised transport allowances and the match-winning bonus to help lift the players’ spirits ahead of the high-stakes fixture.
“The team is not bad but it only lacks motivation. As Express fans, we should come through and help the players,” Bakunda said during the visit.
Express, currently ninth on the table with 28 points, will host Vipers under floodlights on Friday night. The Venoms lead the standings with 52 points and defeated Express 3-0 in their first-round meeting at Kitende in September.
Head coach Badru Kaddu welcomed the fans’ gesture and called for consistent support throughout the remainder of the season.
“Express is built on fans’ support and we urge the fans to continue paying such courtesy visits throughout the season because it means a lot to the players,” Kaddu stated.
Team captain Emanuel Wasswa echoed the sentiment, pointing to low fan turnout as an additional burden on the struggling squad.
“It is so demotivating when we play at home and there are no fans to morale boost the team. I urge the fans’ leadership to rally fans back to the stadium to support the team,” Wasswa said.
Meanwhile, Uganda Premier League action resumes on Wednesday with two fixtures lined up. URA will host Soltilo Bright Stars at Hamz Stadium Nakivubo, while Wakiso Giants welcome Maroons.
