NEC head coach Hussein Mbalangu has urged his players not to be carried away by the brilliant start to the season but rather focus on consistency in the Uganda Premier League.
The Diehards registered their third consecutive victory with a narrow 1-0 win over UPDF at Lugogo on Tuesday evening.
“I am very proud of what we are doing as a team and you can see the effort of every player,” Mbalangu told the media in the aftermath of the game before adding.
“Whatever we have done so far is according to plan because last season we were playing well but we lacked the consistency.”
“So this time around we are trying to improve that aspect of recording a series of victories which was impossible last year where we used to win one game, draw, or lose the next one.”
“It is good to enjoy the moment that we are winning games but we have to continue with that mentality and that is how you improve as team going forward,” he added.
Rashid Okocha scored the all-important goal in the 86th minute with a sublime strike into the top corner leaving goalkeeper Yusuf Wasswa hapless.
“He is a very special and important player to the team because he offers a lot beyond his primary defensive role. Today, he won us three crucial points,” Mbalangu praised Okocha.
They missed two of their most important players in Paul Mucureezi and Joseph Dhata but were able to grind out a win.
The 3-1 and 2-1 victories over Vipers and Kitara, respectively in the season’s opening two games continue to boost their confidence.
NEC had a relatively good maiden season last year finishing sixth in the UPL and reaching the final of the Uganda Cup before losing 1-0 to Kitara at Wankulukuku.
They look like a more stable side now and are ready to battle for anything at their disposal They currently lead the 16-team log with a maximum of nine points and their next outing is a short trip across town to visit Express at Nakivubo on October 3.
On the other hand, UPDF lost their first game of the season and it came against their fellow army side and are placed fourth with four points from three games and will host Wakiso Giants in Bombo on October 1.
