As we gear up for Matchday 8 against Wakiso Giants, let’s take a closer look at the remarkable journey the team has had in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League. The diehard fans have witnessed an impressive start, and the numbers tell a compelling story of determination, commitment, and success.
Player Spotlight:
With 22 players gracing the pitch in the first seven games, a core group of five players has been the heartbeat of NEC’s performance. Samson Kiirya, Ibrahim Thembo, Dhata Joseph Stephen Lujang, John Paul Acire, and Rashid Okocha have displayed consistency, featuring in all seven matches.
Dhata Joseph has etched his name into NEC FC’s history books as the inaugural goal-scorer in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League. The defining moment occurred in the opening match against Mbarara City in Kakyeka when he expertly converted Rashid Okocha’s precision cross into a goal. Dhata’s clinical finish set the tone for NEC FC’s journey in the league. His stellar performance didn’t go unnoticed, as he rightfully earned the Man of the Match award, a testament to his impactful contribution on the pitch.
Furthermore, other standout players have also left an indelible mark with their remarkable performances. Shamir Kimwero showcased his prowess in the matches against Busoga United and Maroons, earning the Man of the Match accolade for his outstanding efforts. In another memorable clash, Cromwel Rwothomio’s exceptional skills stood out, and he was rightfully crowned for his stellar performance against KCCA.
Not to be outdone, Allan Mugalu made his mark in the fixture against UPDF, delivering a standout performance that earned him the Man of the Match title.
In the heart of NEC FC’s defense, Samson Kiirya has emerged as a linchpin, showcasing an extraordinary level of goalkeeping prowess. In the seven games played thus far in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League, Kiirya has achieved a remarkable feat by keeping an impressive five clean sheets.
While team statistics reveal NEC FC’s collective strength, individual accolades emphasize the outstanding contributions of players like Dhata, Kimwero, Rwothomio, and Mugalu. These awards underscore the team’s commitment to excellence and the exceptional talent that exists within its ranks.
Goal-Scoring Heroes:
Out of the 22 players, seven have found the back of the net, contributing to NEC FC’s goal tally of eleven. Cromwel Rwothomio emerges as the leading goal-scorer with an impressive three goals (twice against KCCA and a goal against UPDF), closely followed by Marvin Kavuma (against Busoga United) and Allan Mugalu (against Busoga United and Maroons), each netting twice. Dhata Joseph (against Mbarara City), Brian Kayanja (against Busoga United), Rashid Okocha (against Busoga United), and Enock Ssebaggala (against UPDF) have also made their mark on the scoresheet.
Allan Mugalu on top of scoring, has had the highest goal involvement, 5; scoring two goals, winning a penalty against Busoga which Okocha converted while assisting on two more occasions.
Winning Formula:
NEC FC has showcased a winning formula, securing victories in five out of seven games against Mbarara City, Busoga United, UPDF, KCCA, and Maroons. Notably, the team has kept a clean sheet in every victorious encounter, underlining a formidable defensive prowess.
Challenges Faced:
While the journey has been mostly triumphant, NEC FC faced challenges in encounters against Sc Villa and Gaddafi, resulting in two losses. The team conceded six goals in these matches, emphasizing the importance of defensive solidarity in upcoming fixtures.
Points Tally:
The impressive performances have translated into a solid point tally for NEC FC. With 15 points out of a possible 21, the team currently occupies the 3rd position on the StarTimes Premier League log. The resilience and skill demonstrated by the players have positioned NEC FC as a formidable contender in the league.
Looking Forward:
As NEC FC prepares to host Wakiso Giants on Matchday 8 at the MTN Omondi – Lugogo on November 25th, 2023, at 1900 hours, the team aims to build on its successes. The fans can expect an exciting clash as NEC FC endeavors to further improve their impressive numbers with a chance at leading the table of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League once again this season having lost the lead on matchday 3.
Stay tuned for more updates and thrilling moments as NEC FC continues its journey in the pursuit of excellence in the beautiful game!