NEC FC head coach Hussein Mbalangu has set a bold target for the StarTimes Uganda Premier League season, declaring that the club intends to remain unbeaten at home.
This statement came following NEC’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over UPDF FC at their home grounds; MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo on Tuesday evening.
“We don’t want to lose any game at home this season. We also don’t have any pressure because we planned for this,” Mbalangu remarked during the post-match interview.
He credited his team’s solid start to thorough preparation, emphasizing that they are not allowing themselves to be overwhelmed by expectations.
NEC have had a perfect start to this UPL season. After three matches, they are the only team with a 100% win record, sitting comfortably at the top of the table with 9 points.
Their campaign opened with a 3-1 triumph over Vipers SC at Lugogo on September 15, followed by a 2-1 away win against Kitara FC at Royals Park Stadium in Hoima.
Tuesday’s lone goal from Rashid Okocha sealed their latest victory against UPDF.
Mbalangu expressed pride in his team’s collective effort. “I am very proud of what we are doing as a team, and you can see the effort of every player,” he noted.
With 6 goals scored so far this season, NEC has established itself as an early contender in the league, building on last season’s commendable 6th-place finish after being promoted to the top flight.
However, Mbalangu was quick to caution his players about consistency, a factor that he believes cost them last season.
“Last season, we were playing well, but we lacked consistency. This time, we are focusing on improving that by stringing together a series of victories,” he said.
“We are enjoying the moment, but the goal is to maintain this mentality moving forward.”
Next on the schedule, NEC will face Express at the Hamz Stadium in Nakivubo on October 3.
Following that, they will host Maroons and Wakiso Giants in back-to-back home fixtures on October 19 and 23, respectively, as they aim to uphold their unbeaten home record.
