NEC FC Concludes Remarkable Season with Celebratory Dinner at Royal Suites Hotel
By John Kusolo
Kampala, Uganda – On Friday, May 31st, 2024, NEC FC, a rising star in Ugandan football, celebrated their end-of-season achievements with a grand dinner at the Royal Suites Hotel in Bugoloobi. The prestigious event was graced by the presence of Lt. Gen. James Mugira, Club Patron and Managing Director of the National Enterprise Corporation, who arrived in full military regalia.
The evening commenced with anthems, setting a formal and respectful tone, followed by dinner and speeches. Eng. Brian Buhanda, the club's Chairman and General Manager of NEC Works, welcomed the General with a warm reception, marking the beginning of a night filled with reflections and appreciations.
Club Captain's Address
Club Captain Kavuma Marvin delivered a poignant speech, expressing deep gratitude towards the management for their unwavering support throughout the season. His heartfelt thanks underscored the strong bond and mutual respect between the players and the management team, fostering a sense of unity and collective ambition within the club.
Head Coach's Commitment
Head Coach Hussein Mbalangu took the stage to acknowledge the efforts of his technical team, the playing staff, media members, and the board of directors. While expressing a slight dissatisfaction at not securing a trophy this season, Mbalangu's speech was imbued with a resolute promise to achieve greater success in the upcoming season. His commitment to delivering a trophy to the club patron resonated with everyone present, setting a high bar for the future.
Chairman's Reflections and Acknowledgements
Eng. Brian Buhanda provided an insightful recount of the club's journey since the season began in September 2023. He praised the team for their commendable performance, highlighting their ability to challenge the status quo. NEC FC's remarkable sixth-place finish in the Uganda Premier League (UPL) and being runners-up in the Stanbic Uganda Cup were celebrated as significant achievements. Eng. Buhanda also took the opportunity to thank the club’s sponsors and donors, including Oriental Ventures, Muhick, and Sodolin, for their generous support.
Patron's Address and Commitment
Lt. Gen. James Mugira's speech was a testament to his dedication and support for the club. Expressing relief at being able to attend the event, he commended NEC FC for their outstanding performance. "When you entered the UPL, many didn’t think you would last the season. However, we believed in you, and your performance was outstanding, surprising many teams that underestimated you," he remarked, acknowledging the team's resilience and competitive spirit.
He reiterated his promise to support the team, highlighting the provision of a comfortable bus to facilitate the team’s movements. The General’s words were a source of inspiration and motivation, reinforcing the club's ambitions for the future.
Presentation of the Bus
In a symbolic gesture of support and commitment, Lt. Gen. Mugira, accompanied by Eng. Brian Buhanda, handed over the new bus to Head Coach Hussein Mbalangu and Team Captain Kavuma Marvin. This marked a significant moment in the club’s history, signifying a promise of continued support and better facilities for the team.
The event concluded with a sense of optimism and determination. Lt. Gen. Mugira’s final words resonated with everyone present: “As we see you off for a short break, don’t relax because the league will be back around August. Thank you so much. Good evening.” His commitment to mobilizing further support and building a stronger team was a clear message of his unwavering support for NEC FC.
The end-of-season dinner not only celebrated NEC FC's achievements but also set the stage for a promising future, with renewed commitments from both the management and the players. The club’s journey from the Big League to a formidable force in the UPL is a testament to their hard work, resilience, and the solid support structure backing them.
As NEC FC looks forward to the next season, the spirit of unity and determination demonstrated at this event will undoubtedly propel them towards greater success.
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