Uganda Premier League | Thursday | MD 24
- Vipers Vs NEC – St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende | 7 PM
With a few games to end the Uganda Premier League, there is a question that hangs heavy in the air ahead of Thursday evening’s blockbuster at St. Mary’s Kitende: Is NEC FC truly ready to dethrone the giants and stake their claim at the top of Ugandan football?
With just two points separating leaders Vipers SC and second-placed NEC, all roads lead to what many are calling the Uganda Premier League’s unofficial title decider.
This isn’t just a clash of two in-form sides, it’s a collision of ambition, belief and the hunger to make history. Vipers, six-time league champions, have the pedigree and experience.
NEC, on the other hand, are the new disruptors on the block, fearless and rapidly rising under coach Hussein Mbalangu.
“We have the courage to go to Kitende and maximise points there,” Mbalangu declared boldly after his side’s morale-boosting win over Kitara.
“Not many teams collect three points there, but we believe we’ll be among the few. That win gave us the motivation we needed.”
And he has reason to believe. NEC stunned Vipers 3-1 in their first round meeting at Lugogo last September, a performance that proved they’re more than just dark horses.
Now, with momentum on their side and everything to play for, they’ll look to repeat that feat in enemy territory.
Still, the challenge is formidable. Kitende remains a fortress. Vipers haven’t lost at home this season and neither have NEC. But this clash guarantees one thing: something has to give.
Vipers come in with confidence after snatching a late draw against Express, thanks in part to the return of skipper Milton Karisa, who set up Mulongo Gusto, and is expected to start.
However, they’ll miss the services of Derrick Ndahiro. NEC, meanwhile, will be without defender Enock Ssebagala, suspended after his red card against Kitara.
With six games remaining after this clash, the league title won’t be mathematically sealed. But the psychological edge, the momentum, the belief will belong to Thursday’s victor.
And if NEC walk out of Kitende with three points, the answer to whether they’re ready for the summit will be a resounding YES.
