Kaddu Badru steps into the NEC dugout for the first time on Saturday as the Bugolobi outfit welcomes BUL to the MTN Omondi Stadium. The tactician, who parted ways with Express only recently, was unveiled on Wednesday to replace the dismissed Hussein Mbalangu and has had just two sessions to familiarize himself with his new squad.
NEC head into the contest buoyed by last weekend’s gritty 1–0 triumph away to Mbarara City, a result they hope to use as a springboard in Kaddu’s new chapter. Interim coach James Odoch, who steered the team through their last two outings, spoke glowingly of the incoming boss but cautioned supporters not to expect wholesale alterations.
“Kaddu is a very experienced and professional coach who we believe is a good addition to our staff,” he told the club media. “He has already spoken to the players and they know what to expect of him.”
Looking ahead to BUL, Odoch struck a respectful yet firm tone.
“Against BUL, we expect a tough game. We give them respect as a side that has played for so long in the premier league but on the pitch, we shall treat them with none,” he added.
Matchday under the flood lights at MTN Omondi Stadium – Lugogo.
Kick-off: 8PM#Diehards || #NECBUL || #StarTimesUPL pic.twitter.com/8vorkMiq0y
— NEC FC (@Nec_Fc) November 8, 2025
On the opposite bench, BUL coach Abbey Kikomeko finds himself wrestling with an unwanted statistic: his side is yet to claim a win against NEC since their promotion. Even so, he expects little tactical deviation from the home team despite Kaddu’s appointment.
“They are one team that gives us hard time, but we are determined to get our first win over them,” he told club media.
NEC head into the duel short-handed, with Warren Bbule, Jacob Okao, Innocent Media, Cromwell Rwothomio, and Daniel Shabena all sidelined. BUL, meanwhile, travel without only Musiima, giving them a relatively clean bill of health.
