Prime
Mucureezi lifts the lid on amplified form

Nec's Paul Mucureezi is enjoying his time. PHOTO/JOHN BATANUDDE
What you need to know:
With his recent blistering goal-scoring form in pivotal games, Mucureezi is proving that a title-winning mentality begins with self-belief and unwavering commitment.
As a seasoned veteran with a glittering résumé that includes two StarTimes Uganda Premier League titles with KCCA and another with Vipers, Nec forward Paul Mucureezi knows what it takes to conquer the summit.
The experienced campaigner believes the onus is on him to lead by example and inspire his teammates - many of whom have never savored the thrill of a league triumph - to believe that glory is within their grasp this season.
With his recent blistering goal-scoring form in pivotal games, Mucureezi is proving that a title-winning mentality begins with self-belief and unwavering commitment.
After finding the back of the net in Nec's thrilling 2-1 victory over SC Villa and playing a pivotal role in salvaging a point against URA at Nakivubo Stadium, Mucureezi has taken his season goal tally to four.
He credits his growing chemistry with former KCCA teammate Muzamir Mutyaba as a key factor behind their recent success.
The duo, reunited at Nec, has rediscovered their magic, most notably combining to deliver a memorable 1-0 win over their former club.
In that clash, Mucureezi surged down the right flank to deliver a precise assist, setting up Mutyaba’s thunderous strike that sealed the victory.
Mucureezi now believes their flourishing partnership could be the spark Nec needs to secure a historic maiden league title.
"The good form I have shown lately comes down to hard work," Mucureezi revealed.
"In big games (like Villa and URA), you have to step up and prove your worth. In the KCCA match, we showed weare big-game players.
"My understanding with Muzamir is excellent; we know each other’s strengths. I push him, and he pushes me, so we bring out the best in each other. We lifted two league titles together, and now, with the experienced and mature players around us, we hold mature discussions."
Slippery test
Up next for Mucureezi's second-placed Nec, who have amassed 23 points from 11 matches, is a seemingly straightforward home tie against Ian Mutenda's struggling Soltilo Bright Stars, who languish at the bottom of the table with just six points.
However, Mucureezi is quick to caution against complacency, warning of the potential dangers of treating the game lightly.
For the uninitiated, Nec has a golden opportunity to temporarily leapfrog John 'Ayala' Luyinda’s Vipers (host Bul on Saturday) at the summit with a win, making the clash far more than just another routine fixture.
"I have watched many Bright Stars games, and you can see they are not an easy team - it is just that luck hasn’t been on their side," Mucureezi said.
"We must approach the game with a winning attitude and avoid any hint of complacency."
Heroes no more
At the Bombo Military Barracks, Paul Kiwanuka's fifth-placed UPDF will aim to climb to 19 points when they host league strugglers Mbale Heroes.
The visitors, with just eight points to their name, remain winless on the road since their return to the top flight after nearly 20 years.
Asaph Mwebaze's side is still reeling from a crushing 6-0 defeat at the hands of a resurgent Kitara and must brace themselves for the Soldiers' formidable home form at Bombo.
StarTimes Uganda Premier League
Wednesday
UPDF vs. Mbale Heroes, 4pm
Nec vs. Soltilo Bright Stars, 7pm