Head coach Kaddu Badru has struck a tone of belief and encouragement following NEC FC’s agonizing Uganda Cup elimination at the hands of Vipers SC, insisting his team is steadily building toward something significant.
The tightly contested encounter stretched across 120 intense minutes without a goal, showcasing discipline and resilience from both sides. Ultimately, it was Vipers who edged the contest 4-3 in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout, ending NEC’s hopes of silverware this season.
Yet, rather than frustration dominating the mood in the NEC camp, there was a noticeable sense of progress and quiet confidence after the final whistle.
Badru highlighted his team’s growing defensive strength as a major positive. Holding the reigning champions scoreless for two hours underlined a defensive structure that has become increasingly reliable in recent matches.
“The game has ended without scoring a goal in 120 minutes, but it also means we have gone several games without conceding,” Badru noted during his post-match press conference.
His moments covered by the @VipersSC win but that 1v1 with Milton Karisa could burry that game , restoration of @Nec_Fc after this Enock Luyimma penalty and well take penalty against DK 🔥✌️ The man Hannington Ssewalunyo pic.twitter.com/iXnft1ifCF
— ERIC MEDARD OMADI (@medardomadi) April 5, 2026
While the defensive unit continues to impress, the coach acknowledged that attacking efficiency remains a concern. NEC’s inability to convert chances proved costly, despite creating promising opportunities throughout the match.
“The difference is that if we are to become a good team, then we have to always score while we keep our goal area safe,” he added.
Importantly, NEC were far from passive participants. They matched the champions stride for stride and fashioned chances that could have decided the tie long before penalties.
Even in defeat, Badru believes his squad is undergoing a crucial transformation, mentally and tactically. The experience, he suggests, is helping to instill the mindset required to compete at the highest level.
“I am confident that if we keep doing the right things, then we shall be a whole different group,” Badru concluded.
