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Mbalangu eyes end to away jinx in taxing showdown
Mbalangu's team is top of the table. PHOTO/EDDIE CHICCO
What you need to know:
With just two road victories - a commanding display against Kitara in Hoima and a gritty win over KCCA at Lugogo — coach Hussein Mbalangu knows that gray area casts a shadow over their title ambitions.
Dark horses Nec, the StarTimes Uganda Premier League table-toppers, have been flying high this season but remain haunted by an inconsistent away form.
With just two road victories - a commanding display against Kitara in Hoima and a gritty win over KCCA at Lugogo — coach Hussein Mbalangu knows that gray area casts a shadow over their title ambitions.
Mbalangu vows that today they will march into Nakivubo Stadium to face Alex Isabirye’s unpredictable URA, keen to end the nagging away jinx.
Sitting on 22 points from 10 matches, Mbalangu's charges are out to prove their wins over Vipers, KCCA, and reigning champions SC Villa were no flukes, but a bold declaration of their growing dominance.
Meanwhile, sixth-placed URA, with 14 points, will look to disrupt Nec’s momentum and defend their fortress.
Guests no more
Interestingly, Nec's away form has been marked by lapses in concentration, with losses to Express and Lugazi highlighting a worrying trend.
Mbalangu is determined to address this vulnerability and ensure his side is more resilient as they look to solidify their position at the top of the table.
“We are minimizing the mistakes,” Mbalangu stated. “This is a young team in the top division, and we are building gradually. We have planned specifically for URA, and you will see a changed team.”
Determined to bag maximum points and stretch Nec’s lead at the summit, Mbalangu is confident his side can handle the pressure.
“All Ugandan teams are strong, and URA, being at home with good players, demands our full respect,” Mbalangu noted.
“We won’t be swayed by their inconsistency. We are preparing for a strong home team led by an experienced coach.
' That said, URA is good at striking through Bruno Bunyaga, Ivan Ahimbisibwe, Norman Namanya, Sharif Kimbowa, and Moses Aliro, but they concede a lot and have only won once at home. That shows they are not entirely comfortable.”
In firm control
Mbalangu insists that his Nec side is under no pressure despite the thrilling see-saw nature of the table. For starters, Vipers are second with 21 points while KCCA are third on 19, all from ten matches.
"We are at the top on merit," he affirmed. "We will continue to do what we do best — play with our hearts on our sleeves. The position is earned, and we will keep pushing forward with the same intensity."
Although Nec will be without left-back Gideon Odongo and centre-back Patrick Bayiga due to suspension, Mbalangu is confident in the depth of his squad.
"We have Rashid Okocha and Ibrahim Kiyemba as capable backups," he added.
"Geriga Atendere’s return from suspension is timely, and he will help strengthen our backline, which has conceded seven goals so far."
Last season, URA exacted revenge on Nec after the latter’s 2-0 home victory, defeating them by the same scoreline at the temporarily rented Wakisha 'home ground'.
That surprise result literally dashed Nec's league title aspirations, adding an extra layer of intensity to today’s encounter.
Mbabazi on the spot
In the earlier fixture at Kakyeka Stadium, Livingstone Mbabazi’s 11th-placed Mbarara City, with 12 points, will host Muhammad Ssenfuma’s ninth-placed Maroons, who sit just one point ahead on 13.
This matchup promises to be a tight contest, with both teams evenly matched in form and points.
The outcome is too close to call, as both sides will be eager to edge closer to mid-table respectable slots and build momentum for the rest of the season.
StarTimes Uganda Premier League
Thursday fixtures
Mbarara City vs Maroons, 4pm
URA vs Nec,7pm
Results
Bul 0-2 UPDF
Police 2-1 Wakiso Giants
