MATCH PREVIEW: NEC FC target top spot as diehards visit Kigezi Homeboyz FC

NEC FC will make the long journey to Kamwenge on Matchday Six of the 2026/27 StarTimes Uganda Premier League season, where they will face league newcomers Kigezi Homeboyz FC at Rwamwanja Stadium, with the Diehards targeting maximum points to move to the top of the 18-team table.

The Diehards head into the encounter in second place with 11 points from five matches, having registered three wins and two draws. NEC FC remain among the few sides yet to taste defeat this season and will be keen to preserve their unbeaten run while strengthening their position in the title race.

However, head coach Kaddu Badru Mukasa’s side will be looking to improve their attacking efficiency after failing to find the back of the net in their previous outing, a goalless draw against Express FC at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.

Despite creating opportunities in that encounter, NEC FC were unable to convert their chances into goals, an area the technical team has been working to improve ahead of the trip to western Uganda.

Speaking ahead of the fixture, Kaddu Badru Mukasa emphasized the importance of being more clinical in front of goal.

“We reach this matchday with a challenge of not scoring and putting away our chances created, but this time we want to emphasize that we put away our chances created,” the head coach said.

For NEC FC, the assignment presents an opportunity to return to winning ways and maintain their momentum as the league campaign gathers pace.

Meanwhile, Kigezi Homeboyz FC will be eager to turn their fortunes around as they welcome the Diehards to Rwamwanja Stadium.

The league newcomers sit at the bottom of the table with one point from four matches, although they have a game in hand. Their only point so far came from a goalless draw against KCCA FC at their home ground, demonstrating their ability to compete against established opposition.

They head into this fixture following a narrow 1-0 defeat to Kitara FC at Hoima City Stadium and will be determined to respond positively in front of their home supporters.

With NEC FC chasing the top spot and Kigezi Homeboyz desperate to climb away from the foot of the table, both sides have plenty to play for in what promises to be a competitive encounter.

Team News

NEC FC will be without winger James Jarieko, who is suspended after accumulating yellow cards.

Midfielder Shamir Kimwero did not travel with the team due to injury, while left-back Hakim Wandera will also miss the encounter through injury.

The rest of the squad is fully fit and available for selection, giving coach Kaddu options as he prepares his side for the long away trip.

Head-to-Head

Wednesday’s encounter will mark the first-ever meeting between NEC FC and Kigezi Homeboyz FC in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League.

The Diehards will be hoping to make their first encounter with the newcomers count by securing all three points and potentially climbing to the summit of the league table.

Matchday Details