Vipers begin title quest in visit to stubborn NEC
David GOMBE
Six time Uganda Premier league champions Vipers SC will be eyeing a positive start to the 2024/25 campaign when they make a short trip to NEC FC under the floodlights of Lugogo on Sunday.
Under Serbian tactician Nikola Kavazovic, the Venoms will be seeking to return to glory after finishing the previous term trophyless.
Vipers have won five titles in the last ten league seasons.
NEC FC will also be desperate for another competitive season after finishing sixth last term and reaching the Stanbic Uganda Cup Final in their debut season in the topflight division.
This season, they have boosted their squad with the acquisition of experienced players in Paul Mucureezi, Muzamir Mutyaba, goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo, Amir Kakomo, Patrick Bayiga, Isma Kawawulo among others.
Former Express FC head coach James Odoch have also joined Hussein Mbalangu’s technical staff at NEC.
Vipers have also recruited massively with players such as Derrick Ndahiro, Kenneth Kimera, Nicholas Wadada, Bashir Ssekagya, Pedro Sukuya and Gusto Mulongo joining the club.
Team News
NEC FC have no injury concerns coming into this game while Vipers are without the duo of Jack Komakech and defender Hillary Mukundane duo to respective injuries.
Previous League meeting
The two sides played out to a goalless stalemate in their previous league meeting at Lugogo.
Head to Head
2024/25
NEC Vs Vipers
2023/24
NEC 0-0 Vipers
Vipers 4-1 NEC