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Why Proline Plunged Into Relegation Danger

Proline is among the established teams in danger of facing relegation this season after a poor start to the second round. They sit one place above the red zone but level on points with UPDF, who are in the 14th place of the 16-team log.

The Lugogo-based side owned by Mujib Kasule has not won a single game in three after the resumption of the second round yet teams around them in the relegation mire seem to be running away from the drop.

Proline last tasted victory on November 28, 2017 when they beat Bright Stars 2-1. Since then, they have lost all five games.

Express FC, who are too threatened by relegation have had their share of troubles but have at least managed some three points despite a disappointing loss to Bright Stars. All the same, they had never won Bright Stars at their home.

Masavu have managed to appear like they can pull off a miracle so is UPDF yet the gods at Proline seem to have abandoned a side that plays some of the most attractive football in the league.

But why is this happening so fast against a side that didn’t lose key players in the transfer season.

Poor away form: Nine games on the road, two draws and losses reflect a poor form on the road. Proline have only managed two points away from Lugogo since the season began. All their four wins have come from home but their current form suggests a worse season. They have lost all five previous games. Surprisingly, two teams below them; UPDF and Masavu are showing signs of resuscitation.

Lack of quality: At the start of the season, Proline sold off two key players; striker Nelson Senkatuka and midfielder Gift Ali. That was not surprising for a team that tends to emphasize grooming players instead of holding onto their stars. In the January transfer window, they sold off their major source of goals, Fahad Bayo to plunge into danger. Consequently, they have not scored since the second round began. Some fringe players have performed beyond expectations with Daniel Isiagi and Mustafa Mujuzi standing out. But now Isiagi, who scored four goals, is out injured. All pre-season fears were allayed as the Lugogo side put up commendable performances especially against KCCA, whom they beat comfortably. But inconsistencies crept through and the side lost what looked like winnable fixtures to send them in the red zone. Kasule conceded that there is no quality in his team citing it as the reason why the club has not managed to sell any players in Europe since Torres Lubega went to Austria.

Tough fixtures: The remaining thirteen fixtures spell doom to Proline. On paper, only Masavu is the winnable fixture but it’s tricky as they will visit Bugonga. At home, they face Bul, Villa, Onduparaka, Police, Vipers and URA. Realistically, they can pick points off Bul and Onduparaka only but no win is guaranteed. On the road, they play Express, Bright Stars, Masavu, Soana, Mbarara and KCCA. None of these sides can give Proline any respect

Proline’s remaining games

Mar. 2: Express (A)

Mar. 9: Bul (H)

Mar. 13: Bright Stars (A)

Mar. 30: Villa (H)

Apr. 4: Onduparaka (H)

Apr. 11: Masavu (A)

Apr. 20: Police (H)

Apr. 24: Soana (A)

May 1: Vipers (H)

May 5: Mbarara (A)

May 13: KCCA (A)

May 19: URA (H)

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