AFC Leopards will face Ugandan side Express FC next Friday as they continue preparations for the new FKFPL season.
AFC Leopards are set to face Ugandan side FC Express in a pre-season friendly on Friday, August 16, as they ramp up preparations for the 2024/25 league season.
The match, which will be held at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, has been confirmed by Express FC CEO Ashraf Mwanje and will kick off at 7pm.
Leopards are gearing up for their FKFPL season opener against Mathare United on August 24 at Dandora Stadium. The friendly against FC Express will provide the team with a valuable test as they fine-tune their tactics and build team chemistry ahead of the new campaign.
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FC Express, who recently announced their move to Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, will be using the match against AFC Leopards to inaugurate their new home ground.
The club’s decision to leave Mutesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku, where they have played for the past 33 years, is driven by their ambition to embrace night football and benefit from the stadium’s proximity to Kampala’s city center.
“Beginning this season, Express is going to be using Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo as its home ground, and we are going to have an international test game with AFC Leopards from Kenya at 7pm,” FC Express CEO Mugerwa stated.
He further elaborated on the move, emphasising the potential of night football to attract larger crowds and the strategic location of the stadium.
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“One of the reasons why we came here is to attract night football, because we have seen that it is the way to go. Many people attend night games, and Hamz Stadium gives us that opportunity,” Mugerwa explained.
He also highlighted the stadium’s convenience for fans, noting, “The stadium is just a stone’s throw away from the city center, where most of the fans are found. One of the reasons why we came to the city center is because when you look at proximity and nearness, with regards to where people work from, the stadium is very close.”
The launch of FC Express at Hamz Stadium will be a festive event, beginning at 4 pm with a friendly match between Express fans and SC Villa fans. Following this, Express will unveil their new players and the technical team, offering fans a glimpse of the squad that will compete in the upcoming season.
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As for AFC Leopards, the friendly against Express comes at a crucial time as they look to build on last season’s fifth-place finish and end their 26-year title drought.
The club has been active in the transfer market, acquiring Maker from Zesco United, and is reportedly still in search of a number 10 and a youthful fourth-choice goalkeeper to serve as an understudy to Levis Opiyo after the departure of Humphrey Katasi.
After the friendly in Kampala, AFC Leopards will shift their focus to the season opener against Mathare United, where they will begin their quest for a first league title since 1998.