NEC have confirmed that South Sudanese right-back Joseph Dhata has signed a three-year contract extension that keeps him at the club until June 2028.
The 22-year-old, who previously won the 2024 Stanbic Uganda Cup Golden Boot with six goals, returned to NEC this preseason following a short stint at Blacks Power, where he focused on regaining fitness.
His new deal underscores the club’s faith in him as they prepare for a demanding campaign that includes the StarTimes Uganda Premier League, the FUFA Super Cup, the Stanbic Uganda Cup, and their debut in the CAF Confederation Cup against Nairobi United next month.
Dhata, born in Yei, South Sudan, has built a steady career since breaking into the UPL with Vipers SC in 2020 at just 18. He later impressed at Express FC before joining NEC in 2023, where he became one of the standout performers in their first-ever top-flight season.
His six goals in the league and another six in cup competition, including a hat-trick against Acholi United, earned him recognition as one of the most attacking-minded defenders in Ugandan football.
Injuries disrupted his 2024/25 season, leading to a loan move to Blacks Power, but his return to full fitness this year has seen NEC move quickly to secure his services long term.
The defender, who has four caps and a goal for South Sudan, is expected to play a key role as NEC look to build on their strong domestic progress and test themselves on the continental stage.
