David GOMBE
Continental debutants NEC FC and Nairobi United FC will lock horns in the first preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup on Saturday, 20th September under the lights of Hamz Stadium in Nakivubo.
Nakivubo for the first time in years will host a CAF organized club competition match.
NEC FC come into this contest after a 2-0 defeat to record Uganda Premier League champions SC Villa in the FUFA Super 8 final.
Hussein Mbalangu warned his charges not to underrate their fellow debutants but remains optimistic of victory.
“We can’t underrate them because they have a similar path like us. The first goal is to win and the second goal is to eliminate them and go as far as possible in this competition,” Said Mbalangu
NEC FC qualified for the CAF Confederation Cup after finishing second on the Uganda Premier League table last season and benefited from Vipers’ domestic double.
The Bugolobi based side has players who have continental experience in Muzamir Mutyaba, Paul Mucureezi, Benjamin Ochan, Mustafa Kizza and Siraje Ssentamu.
Their opponents are also featuring in their maiden continental game having won the FKF Cup against Kenyan giants Gor Mahia to earn the Confederation Cup slot.
They also gained Sportpesa League promotion following their second tier triumph last term.
