By Ismael Kiyonga

Copyright kawowo

NEC coach Hussein Mbalangu says his side must everything on the line in two fixtures this week that he has described as important in the club’s season.

First, they take on Uganda Premier League record champions SC Villa in the Fufa Super 8 final on Wednesday at Fufa stadium, Kadiba and three days later, face fellow continental debutants Nairobi United in the preliminary round of the Caf Confederation Cup.

“The two game are very important to us a club,” Mbalangu told Kawowo Sports.

“First, there is a trophy to win on Wednesday so we must do all it takes to win it and then on Saturday, we need to win and gain advantage in the Confederation Cup,” he added.

Besides a trophy at stake, Mbalangu says the Villa match is a good test ahead of the Saturday game.

“The Super 8 matches have helped us to know where we stand, test out new players and formations as well.

“The Villa match will be the last practice before Saturday so we must use it to not only try to win a trophy but also test the readiness of the team.”

Speaking on the target in the Confederation Cup, Mbalangu says he wants the team to go as far as the group stages.

“Everyone from management, technical staff to the players is focused on achieving the goal and we believe in ourselves to do well.”

Last season, NEC finished 6th in the Fufa Super 8 and the worst that can happen this time is finish in second place.

Experience in the squad

Although NEC as a club are into the continent for the first time, they have several experienced players that have played big matches before to bank on.

Goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan, Muzamir Mutyaba, Paul Mucureezi and Mustafa Kizza were part of Mike Mutebi’s teams that played in the group stages of the Champions League and Caf Confederation Cup.