Kaddu silences critics as NEC flourish after Mbalangu's exit

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The controversy that surrounded NEC FC’s decision to part ways with coach Hussein Mbalangu last November has now largely faded following an impressive resurgence under Badru Kaddu.

When NEC dismissed Mbalangu and appointed Kaddu, many questioned both the timing and the wisdom of the move.

After all, Mbalangu had overseen one of the club’s most successful periods, guiding the Bugolobi-based side to the Uganda Cup final, where they narrowly lost to Kitara FC, and securing a second-place finish behind eventual champions Vipers SC in the 2024/25 Uganda Premier League season.

He also guided the club to qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary rounds for the first time in the club’s young history.

However, a slow start to the current campaign, followed by a disappointing debut on the continent, forced the club’s hand, ending Mbalangu’s tenure and ushering in Kaddu, who had previously shown promise during a brief spell at Express FC.

The decision initially drew criticism from pundits, many of whom felt NEC had made a costly mistake by dismissing the man who had transformed them into genuine title challengers and secured them continental football.

Six months later, however, the club’s bold gamble appears fully justified.

Since a 2-1 defeat to Lugogo rivals KCCA FC on December 12, NEC have gone unbeaten in the league, putting together a remarkable 17-match run. During that period, Kaddu’s men have collected 11 wins and six draws while keeping an outstanding 15 clean sheets, including an incredible streak of 10 consecutive shutouts.

Only league leaders Vipers boast a superior run across all domestic competitions, with the Venoms still unbeaten this season on the pitch apart from a boardroom defeat inflicted by the FUFA Disciplinary Panel for the club’s refusal to participate in the now suspended three-round league format, where they were supposed to face Kitara in Namboole.

Although NEC’s Uganda Cup campaign ended in heartbreaking fashion after a penalty shootout defeat to holders Vipers in the quarter-finals at Lugogo, Kaddu’s impact has been undeniable.

Under his guidance, NEC have evolved into a more composed and tactically disciplined side, moving away from the aggressive, high-intensity style favoured by Mbalangu, who famously described his players as “lions.”

Several players have rediscovered their best form, including captain and goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo, who leads the league with 19 clean sheets, alongside influential midfielders Joseph Seremba and Marvin Kavuma.

Kaddu has also benefited from key additions such as Richard Basangwa, Muhammad Ssenoga, Tony Atukunda, Rashid Kawawa, Samuel Kayongo Ssekamatte, Hakim Wandera and Ramzy Kawooya.

Basangwa was once again the hero in NEC’s latest outing, scoring the decisive goal in Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Kitara in Hoima, a result that ended the Royals’ long unbeaten home run while dealing a blow to their title hopes.

NEC now sit fifth on the 16-team table with 50 points and can only wonder what might have been had they not stumbled in the opening months of the campaign.