NEC FC head coach Hussein Mbalangu - Photo credit John Batanudde.
NEC FC head coach Hussein Mbalangu has expressed confidence in his revamped squad, attributing their stellar performance in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League to improved squad depth.
“The problem we had last season is that we only had a first eleven. Whenever players were injured or sick, we had no option but to force them to play,” Mbalangu said. “This season, we beefed up the squad. We retained all our first eleven and added 10 more players.”
The new additions, including experienced stars like Paul Mucureezi, Muzamir Mutyaba and goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo have been crucial in NEC’s strong start. The club currently leads the league table with 22 points from 10 matches, defeating giants such as KCCA FC, Vipers SC and SC Villa at Lugogo, a ground Mbalangu now dubs the “Slaughtering Ground.”
Reflecting on NEC’s ambitions, Mbalangu added, “We want to play better than we did last season, and you can see that we are on track.” Last season, NEC impressed in their maiden top-flight campaign, finishing sixth with 48 points and reaching the Stanbic Uganda Cup final, where they narrowly lost to Kitara FC.
NEC’s next challenge is a short trip to Nakivubo Stadium to face URA FC on Thursday, December 5, 2024 as they aim to solidify their title credentials.
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