NEC FC have taken disciplinary action against head coach Hussein Mbalangu, handing him a two-month suspension for what the club termed professional and ethical misconduct related to his participation in the ongoing Masaza Cup tournament.
The Kampala-based side announced the decision through an official statement on their social media platforms, confirming that assistant coach James Odoch will steer the team in an interim capacity.
Mbalangu’s involvement with Ssingo, one of this year’s Masaza Cup finalists, was cited as the main reason behind the club’s decision, an act management described as a clear breach of commitment to NEC’s sporting obligations.
For Immediate Release
Head Coach Mbalangu Hussein has been suspended due to professional and ethical misconduct, effective immediately.
In the interim, James Odoch will assume the role of Head Coach.
Management. pic.twitter.com/2kGFne8Z0K
— NEC FC (@Nec_Fc) October 20, 2025
The development comes at a delicate time for the “Diehards,” who are reeling from an early CAF Confederation Cup exit and a frustrating start to the Uganda Premier League campaign.
NEC have failed to register a win in their first two outings, drawing both, including a disappointing 2-2 result against Police FC after throwing away a two-goal cushion.
With Mbalangu sidelined, Odoch, best remembered for his stint at Express FC, has been tasked with steadying the ship. His first test comes this Saturday, October 25, when NEC travel to the Bugonga Fisheries Ground to face Entebbe UPPC, hoping to kickstart their domestic season on a positive note.
NEXT MATCH
🆚 Entebbe UPPC FC
🕗 25-10-2025 || 4PM
🏆 StarTimesUPL
🏟️ Bugonga Fisheries Ground – Entebbe#Diehards | #UPPNEC | #UPL pic.twitter.com/wTQxWPZcF3— NEC FC (@Nec_Fc) October 21, 2025
