As the new year kicks off, we are set for an intense battle away from home at the St. Mary’s Stadium in Kitende for Matchday14 of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League, facing defending Champions, Vipers SC. The highly anticipated game will take place under the vibrant floodlights, with kick-off scheduled for 1900 hours and will be broadcast live on FUFA TV.
We enter the encounter seeking our first victory in the fourth attempt, with the last triumphant moment against URA in early December of the previous year. Meanwhile, Vipers SC aims to rebound after consecutive defeats at the hands of Bul and Express, both at home and away.
The recent appointment of Vipers’ new head coach; Livingstone Mbabazi adds an extra layer of intrigue, as they strive for an instant impact to secure the crucial three points. On the other hand, Our Head Coach, Hussein Mbalangu, is determined to assert our team’s authority and kickstart the year with a win.
This matchup marks the first meeting between the two teams, promising an intense and pivotal clash for both sides. Currently, Vipers occupies the fifth spot with 24 points, eyeing the opportunity to climb to second place with a victory. NEC FC, with an equal ambition, seeks to match Vipers’ 24 points by securing a win on the evening.
In a media appearance, Coach Hussein Mbalangu stressed the significance of returning to winning ways, emphasizing the importance of starting the year with a positive result. “We aim to collect maximum points in our last two games of the first round and reclaim our position on the table log,” noted the coach, addressing the recent dip in form. He hinted at potential new signings during the open transfer window to strengthen the team and enhance our chances of success.
Regarding team news, Coach Mbalangu confirmed the availability of the entire squad for selection, except for Samson Kiirya, who is currently nursing a wound and is expected to resume training with the team in a week’s time.
We shall be bringing you updates as the game happens on our social media platforms, you can also catch the action live on FUFA TV exclusively on StarTimes.