Ahead of the highly anticipated 2024 Stanbic Uganda Cup final, NEC FC and Kitara FC have expressed readiness.
Coaches and players from the two finalists were oozing with confidence in a pre-match press conference held on Wednesday, 22 May 2024 at FUFA Complex, Mengo.
Coach Hussein Mbalangu and Captain Marvin Kavuma represented NEC FC while Kitara FC had head coach Brian Ssenyondo and lethal forward Dennis Omedi at the media briefing.
Mbalangu is aware of what the final means to the club and believes they have fully recovered from the League action and ready to give their all.
‘Although the team appeared fatigued due to the long season, we have had a week to recover and hopefully by Saturday the players will have rested enough and recovered. We also know the magnitude of the game thus we shall have to work hard to win the Cup. I am not under any pressure because I have won the trophy as a player and have also reached several finals as a coach especially in Somalia,” Mbalangu said.
“We are a different team from the one that played last weekend on the final day of the StarTimes UgandaPremierLeague. I want to assure our fans to be ready for a revamped team that is hungry for victory.” He added.
NEC FC Kavuma has the conviction that they have what it takes to emerge winners on Saturday.
“While this is our maiden appearance at the final, we are feeling remarkably calm and composed due to the presence of experienced players who have been in such situations and also won the CUp. Their wealth of experience and winning mentality has eliminated any pressure allowing us to approach the final with confidence.” He stated.
On the the other hand, Kitara’s gaffer believes they have had a tough road to the final and winning on Saturday will bring satisfaction.
“Overcoming stiff competition from powerhouse teams like SC Villa and Vipers SC has been a valuable learning experience for us. By successfully navigating these challenging matches, we have emerged stronger and more resilient making us well prepared and confident as we head into the final.”
Omedi who has been key in Kitara’s journey is convinced the unity and teamwork that has brought them this far will once again help them come Saturday.
“I am thrilled to see our team’s unity and mindset. Our collective determination and winning mentality are palpable and it is clear that we are all driven to emerge victorious in the final.”
The winner of Stanbic Uganda Cup will get a cash prize of USH 50M while the runners up will pocket USH 25M.
It should be noted that each finalist is also guaranteed to receive 10 Zakayo balls.
The Winner will represent Uganda in the CAF Confederation Cup next season.
