Mustafa Kizza joins NEC FC on two-year deal, makes debut in trial draw

NEC FC officially unveiled experienced left-back Mustafa Kizza as their latest signing on Wednesday, securing him on a two-year contract. The announcement came just moments before the team faced South Sudan’s Al Merriekh Bentiu in a trial match at the YES Centre in Nsambya.

Kizza, who previously featured for KCCA FC, Express FC, and Major League Soccer side CF Montréal, was immediately handed his debut.

He delivered an assured performance, offering his trademark dangerous crosses and showing strong defensive awareness in a tightly contested match that ended 0–0.

The friendly provided a useful test for NEC FC, who created a few promising chances but were matched and at times outplayed by the visiting South Sudanese side.

Several of the club’s recent signings also featured in the match, helping to shape what is fast becoming a refreshed and ambitious squad. Midfielders Titus Ssematimba and Daniel Shabena brought composure and balance in the center of the pitch, while young talents like Charles Waibi and Joseph Sseremba injected energy after the break.

Up front, Hudson Mbalire’s introduction in the second half gave NEC a different attacking edge following the earlier efforts of Emmanuel Ajo.

This wave of new arrivals reflects NEC FC’s growing ambition as they prepare to represent Uganda in the upcoming CAF Confederation Cup. Their participation follows an impressive domestic campaign last season, in which they finished runners-up in both the league and Uganda Cup falling just short behind champions Vipers SC.