At 21 years and in his second season in the top flight league, Ivan Mayanja is already a Uganda Premier League and CECAFA Kagame Cup champion, if living your dream was a pair of shoes then it most certainly fits the midfield gem.

Signed in October 2020, Mayanja didn’t immediately nail a starting berth in the Express first team squad at the start but his cameo appearances in a few games showed moments of brilliance. The pint sized midfielder was always at hand to add pace in the middle of the park going forward something he’s done more often in the last four games which he’s started. Mayanja says he’s loving every bit of it and that he’s doing everything he can to help the team win.

“My first season here was abit tough, we had a number of experienced players and i needed time to break through but not at any one time did I doubt my capabilities, today I am happy I am doing my best to help the team. Our last four games have showed alot of improvement which is good but also individually for me to have earned my first MOTM award (Vs URA FC) in the league was motivating”.

Mayanja, an admirer of Wolvhampton Wanderers creative midfielder Daniel Podence asserts that the team is working extra hard to end the season in the top four.

“We obviously had to put up a better performance this season as defending league champions but due to several factors it wasn’t possible, that doesn’t mean we can’t give our best to end the season well, We’re all working tirelessly to earn a top four finish like the gaffer says” he concluded.

Ivan Mayanja will be tasked with ensuring the Red Eagles revenge their domestic cup loss to arch rivals S.C Villa on Saturday when the two arch rivals clash at the Njeru technical center.

The Red Eagles sit sixth on log on 36 points after 23 games played.