The 2024/25 Uganda Premier League (UPL) season is about to enter its second round, and one of the exciting young talents in Ugandan football is poised to make a significant impact.
Alpha Thierry Ssali, 21, has completed his highly anticipated move to National Enterprise Corporation Football Club (NEC FC).
His arrival brings a wave of optimism to the Soldier Boyz as they look to solidify their championship ambitions and push for top honours in the second half of the season.
For Ssali, joining NEC FC feels like a return to his roots. He first made a name for himself at the Proline FC Academy in Lugogo, one of the premier football academies in the country.
It was here that his talent first caught the eye of scouts, setting the stage for a bright future in the game.
Now, after a one-and-half-year stint at Express, Ssali is back at Lugogo, but this time donning the colours of NEC FC.
However this time round, he is going to have first-round favourites and on-form talent in James Jarieko, Rashid Okocha and Paul Mucureezi who will give him a push in his most fancied Left Wing position.
This new chapter represents a fresh opportunity for growth and success as he aims to help the team reach its full potential under his former Coach, James Odoch, now an assistant at the Lugogo-based side.
Lessons from Express FC
Before his move to NEC FC, Ssali spent one and a half seasons at Express FC, joining the Red Eagles in August 2023.
While his time there was marked by promise, it was also characterized by a frustrating lack of playing time during the first half of the 2024/25 season.
Despite his undeniable talent, Ssali often found himself on the periphery of the first-team squad, struggling to secure a spot in the starting XI.
However, instead of being discouraged, Ssali used his limited playing time to develop his skills further.
He even sought international exposure through trials in Spain, with his father, renowned musician Moses “Bebe Cool” Ssali, playing a key role in facilitating this opportunity.
Now, armed with greater experience and a renewed sense of determination, Ssali returns to Uganda with a clear vision of what he can offer to his new club.
A New Challenge with NEC FC
NEC FC currently sits in second place on the league table with 33 points, and the club’s aspirations for the remainder of the season are clear: a serious push for the league title.
Ssali’s arrival adds a dynamic element to the team’s attacking options, complementing experienced wingers like Mucureezi and Jarieko.
His pace, skill, and flair are exactly what the Soldier Boyz need to bolster their offensive play as they look to break down the competition in the second round of the league.
With NEC FC’s upcoming fixtures, including the high-stakes clash against KCCA FC on 13th February 2025, Ssali’s contribution could be crucial.
His attacking abilities and fresh energy will provide a new dimension to the team, helping them to challenge for the top spot as the season intensifies.
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