By 
The Uganda Premier League title race just got tighter and NEC FC head coach Hussein Mbalangu is not backing down.
Following his side’s 3-1 victory over Express FC, Mbalangu remains optimistic about his team’s title chances, especially with league leaders Vipers SC just two points ahead.
With every match now a potential decider, Mbalangu firmly believes that Vipers will drop points before the season ends and he has his eyes set on one particular fixture.
Just weeks ago, Vipers held a five point lead over NEC, looking comfortably on course for yet another league crown. However, with NEC’s recent win, that lead has shrunk to just two points.
Speaking after the Express game, Mbalangu exuded confidence, stating;
“We have reduced the margin because Vipers were five points ahead of us, now it’s down to two. You never know what will happen on Saturday, and I know they will flop. At the time we meet them, the gap will still be two points, and then we shall see how to reduce it further to zero or one.”
His optimism is based on a crucial upcoming fixture, Vipers will take on SC Villa, the reigning league champions, on Saturday.
Mbalangu, who once played for SC Villa, believes his former side could pose a serious challenge for Vipers. The Venoms have been unbeaten since their last defeat, ironically, against NEC but Villa’s pedigree and defensive discipline could be enough to force them into a slip.
With Vipers leading the table with 49 points, they remain the favorites for the title, but NEC and their coach are holding onto hope.
A stumble against SC Villa could be the break they need to mount a late surge for the trophy.
The season nears its conclusion, the battle at the top is intensifying. Saturday’s match at SC Villa could be the defining moment and for NEC.
