NEC FC Hosts Colorful End-of-Season Dinner to Celebrate Historic Achievements

Silver Springs Hotel in Bugolobi glittered with joy and pride as NEC FC held a colorful end-of-season dinner to celebrate a remarkable 2024/25 football campaign. The night was not only about celebration—it was a recognition of the club's incredible rise in Ugandan football and a launchpad for what promises to be an even brighter future.

NEC FC, in just their second season in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League, defied all odds to finish second on the league table with 67 points, narrowly trailing the eventual champions, Vipers SC, by just two points. Their outstanding performance has earned them a historic qualification to the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup, marking their debut on the continental stage.

The evening was graced by the Managing Director of National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) and NEC FC Patron, Lt. Gen. James Mugira, who commended the players, coaching staff, and club officials for an exceptional season.

“Your determination, teamwork, and discipline have not only won games but also hearts across Uganda. I am proud of this team, and we shall continue to invest more in it. The dream is continental success, and I believe we shall do wonders,” he said.

Also present was NEC FC Head Coach Hussein Mbalangu, who lauded the unity and hard work of his technical team and players.

“This season was a journey of growth, commitment, and belief. We faced tough games, but we stood tall. This celebration is well deserved,” he stated.

Season Awards: Celebrating Individual Brilliance

The dinner also featured an awards segment recognizing the top performers of the 2024/25 season:

Atendele Geriga was named Best Defender of the Season, thanks to his rock-solid performances at the back.

Paul Mucureezi clinched the Best Forward of the Season award for his creativity, goals, and overall influence in attack.

Okao Jacob, last season’s standout performer, was officially honored as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the 2024/25 season.

Goalkeeper Ssebwalunnyo Hannington had a memorable campaign and walked away with two awards: Best Goalkeeper and the Fans’ Player of the Season.

Midfield maestro Enock Ssebaggala scooped two prestigious awards: Best Midfielder and the Players’ Player of the Season, highlighting the respect he commands both on and off the pitch.

Gadafi Wahab’s stunning goal against Kitara FC was voted the Goal of the Season, a strike that lit up social media and confirmed his quality in midfield.

Looking Ahead: Eyes on the Continent

With continental football now a reality, the club’s leadership emphasized the need for preparedness. Lt. Gen. Mugira reiterated that the team will receive the necessary support to ensure Uganda is well represented in the CAF Confederation Cup. Plans are underway to strengthen the squad and enhance technical capabilities.

The dinner was not just an event—it was a declaration that NEC FC has arrived and is ready to take Ugandan football to new heights. As players, officials, fans, and partners toasted to a stellar season, one message rang clear: the best is yet to come.