Richard Malinga’s coaching journey has come full circle. The highly rated tactician has left Express FC and is expected to return to familiar ground at Amus College, where he has been unveiled as head coach for a second stint.
The move may surprise some, but it feels natural given Malinga’s strong ties to the Eastern giants and the success he previously delivered there.
His return shows Amus College’s ambition to re-establish themselves among the country’s leading school football sides by turning again to a coach who knows the environment and has already brought silverware.
Malinga wrote his name into Amus history in 2024, guiding the school to their maiden FEASSA Games boys’ football title after a memorable 1–0 victory over St Mary’s SS Kitende in the final.
The same year, he led them to the USSSA National final in Masaka, where they lost 3–0 to St Julian High School Seeta but confirmed their rise on the national stage.
After leaving Amus, Malinga enjoyed further success at Buddo Secondary School. In 2025, he coached Buddo to the USSSA National boys’ football crown, edging Kitende in a tense penalty shootout, further cementing his reputation as a big-game coach.
His return to school football follows his departure from Express FC, where he had served as assistant coach since November 2025 after the exit of Badru Kaddu.
Working alongside head coach Jimmy Kintu Mwera, Malinga was part of the technical team at the seven time Uganda Premier League champions.
However, his exit comes amid a difficult spell for the Red Eagles. Express have lost key players, including Richard Basangwa and Hakim Wandera to NEC FC, while Mohammed Ssenoga Kaggwa is also expected to leave this transfer window.
The departures have heightened concerns over the club’s prospects for the remainder of the season.
A former right back with Entebbe Health and KCCA FC, Malinga brings vast experience from both his playing and coaching career.
He has previously coached Mbale Heroes, handled the KCCA Junior Team and led Mawokota Ssaza in the Masaza Cup, building a reputation for nurturing young talent.
As Express prepare for a heated clash against SC Villa at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, attention has already turned to life without Malinga on the bench.
