Midfielder Daniel Shabena has made up his mind to join newly promoted FUFA Big League side Mbale Heroes from Uganda Premier League (UPL) giants Express FC.

Shabena joins coach Asaph Mwebaze’s brand new Mbale Heroes project as a free-agent, following the expiration of his one year contract extension with seven times UPL champions. He had initially signed for three years with Express in 2019.

Shabena’s move from ‘Mukwano Gw’abangi’ to ‘The Surgeons’ is one from a historical club to another – both teams are great in their own rights. The Wankulukuku based side have ten League Cup trophies to their name, while Mbale Heroes boast of two.

Born in Walukuba Masese, the midfielder notably started gaining nationwide recognition during his time with JMC Hippos and BUL in Jinja, then idolizing former Uganda Cranes striker Geoffrey Massa.

Shabena grew through the ranks of KJT and was part of the team that guided KJT/Rwenshama to a top-flight promotion in 2014.

Notably, he played for the national U20 team that took part in the CAF U20 qualifiers against Rwanda in 2016 following his outstanding performance with JMC Hippos in 2015-16.

However, it’s with the Red Eagles that the midfielder left an indelible mark as far as Ugandan football is concerned.

Shabena has played in the Champions League for Express, and was part of coach Wasswa Bbosa’s 2021 UPL title-winning squad that also went on to conquer East Africa.

He was a vital squad member of the Red Eagles side that beat Nyasa Big Bullets of Malawi 1-0 at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium to win the 2021 Cecafa Kagame Cup.

Given Shabena’s experience and versatility, he is expected to as well be very important in Mbale Heroes quest for top division football, a target they hope to meet within this coming one season.