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“You may not win the trophy as the season starts but can surely lose it.” That is the mindset NEC FC carry into their Uganda Premier League Matchday Two clash with Lugazi FC at Phillip Omondi Stadium, with captain and goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo demanding another strong start.
NEC opened their campaign with a 2-0 win over KCCA on Saturday and now want to build on that result against a Lugazi side that also won its opener.
“I shouldn’t say that Lugazi is a weak team. Every team we are facing is a strong team, so I believe we are going to have a tough challenge,” Ssebwalunyo said.
Lugazi defeated Kigezi HomeBoyz 2-1 in Najjembe, with former NEC striker Cromwell Rwothomio and Livingstone Mulondo scoring for Abbey Kikomeko Bogere’s side.
Lugazi FC players in warm-ups ahead of Kigezi Homeboyz opener.
Ssebwalunyo, however, believes NEC are ready;
NEC midfielders Enrique Lubwama and Allan Mugalu in warm-ups ahead of KCCA FC match.
“We are being prepared and I believe we shall be equal to the task.”
The goalkeeper also wants NEC to repeat their defensive display against KCCA, stressing the importance of another clean sheet.
“It is very vital because to be champions, we must keep ourselves invincible and score goals. Keeping a clean sheet is the way to go for us as a team,” he said.
NEC’s midfield trio of Enrique Lubwama, Daniel Shabene and Allan Mugalu impressed in the opening game, while Richard Basangwa, Senoga, James Jarieko and Fahad Bayo offer Badru Kaddu more options following changes to the squad, including the departure of Joseph Seremba.
For Ssebwalunyo, the target remains to win;
“Every game has its own pressure. The only pressure I have is winning. I believe we shall get the result.”
He also called on NEC supporters to turn up again and back the team.
“I thank them for the support they gave us in the previous game. Once again, I call them to come on board and rally behind us. Their presence is going to be a very strong factor towards our winning.”
Matchday Two runs from Tuesday, September 1 to Friday, September 4, with NEC and Lugazi among the teams kicking off on Tuesday at 4pm.
Elsewhere, Entebbe UPPC host UPDF, while Wednesday’s fixtures see Blacks Power face Police, Ntuugasaze take on Maroons, Kataka host BUL and Express welcome KCCA in an 8pm kick-off.
URA face SC Villa on Friday, while the Kigezi HomeBoyz-Vipers and Kitara-Mbarara City matches are yet to be confirmed.
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