NEC FC rally behind Mbalangu’s cry for fair officiating
“When you see how the game was officiated, it is not fair. It does not help Ugandan football to improve,” Mbalangu lamented.
Head coach Hussein Mbalangu. PHOTO: Michael Nsubuga
Yekoyada Saaka
Journalist @New Vision
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Uganda Premier League
KCCA 1 BUL 2
Express 2 Vipers 2
Lugazi 2 UPDF 2
Villa 3 Mbale 1
NEC 2 Kitara 1
Police 2 Mbarara 0
Just two points separate table leaders Vipers (53 points) and second-placed NEC (51 points) ahead of their highly anticipated clash on Thursday at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende — a potential title decider in the Uganda Premier League.
At this stage of the season, Vipers and NEC have clearly emerged as the only serious contenders for the 2024/25 league title.
Both sides have six matches remaining, but Thursday’s encounter could significantly shape the title race, with the winner taking a major step towards clinching the trophy.
Both teams were sternly tested in their most recent outings. Vipers secured a 2-2 draw against Express at the Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo on Friday, thanks to a stoppage-time equaliser from substitute Gusto Mulongo.
Meanwhile, NEC, who were reduced to 10 men following Enock Ssebagala’s early second-half dismissal, came from behind to edge Kitara 2-1 at the Philip Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.
From L-R, NEC FC club chairman Brian Buhanda receives a dummy Cheque from Post Bank's Corporate and Institutional Banking Officer Abaasi Mawanda.
While Vipers’ draw against a struggling Express side might have seemed like a setback, the dramatic nature of Mulongo’s late goal sparked wild celebrations among their fans — a clear sign of how vital that point could prove in the title race.
The mood was more tense at NEC despite their hard-fought victory. Head coach Hussein Mbalangu was visibly furious with the officiating in their match against Kitara.
He openly accused the referees of bias and suggested that a certain team was being favoured in the title race, although he did not name them.
“When you see how the game was officiated, it is not fair. It does not help Ugandan football to improve,” Mbalangu lamented.
“Let someone win on merit, not with help. We invest so much in training and preparation, this is not football. All I demand for is a fair game.”
He doubled down on his frustrations, adding, “We need fairness. Let someone win through effort, not support. I am a transparent person, and I am telling you, we shall win. I will go there and beat him. I don’t care, all I demand is a fair game. Who said the title always has to be won by one team?”
A team from NEC FC led by Club chairman Brian Buhanda and that from Post Bank led by thier Chief Corporate and Institutional Banking Officer Abaasi Mawanda pose for a photo with a dummy cheque.
In a show of motivation, NEC’s sponsors PostBank on Saturday handed over sh20 million to club chairman Brian Buhanda at the club’s offices in Bugolobi.
Buhanda echoed Mbalangu’s concerns and expressed confidence in the team ahead of their trip to Kitende.
“The mood in the camp is positive. We believe in our players and coaching staff to guide us to the league title. I want to thank our sponsors for their timely support ahead of this crucial match,” said Buhanda.
It is worth recalling that NEC beat Vipers 3-1 in the reverse fixture last September at Lugogo — a result that led to the sacking of Brazilian coach Nikola Kavazovic.