Just into their second season in the premier league, NEC will have an opportunity to play continental football.
The Bugolobi based side, despite not going beyond the round of 32 in the Stanbic Uganda Cup earned the spot as per Fufa Competitions Rules and Regulation Article 17 that tackles Representation in international cup competitions.
As per article 17 (8), “where a club wins both the Uganda Cup and tops the 1st Division League Table, FUFA shall only nominate such club to represent Uganda in the CAF Club Champions League and FUFA shall nominate the runners up of the 1st division league to represent Uganda in CAF Confederations Cup.”
With Vipers sealing the league and cup double, NEC who finished second in the premier league, two points behind the league champions now earn the Caf Confederation cup spot.
Meanwhile, Fufa may choose another team depending on circumstances of refusal or withdraw by teams that have earned the spots through sporting merit as per subsection 9 of the same article.
“Where a qualified club as provided for in Article 17(4) to (8) above is not interested in playing or fails the Club Licensing to play in CAF Competitions, FUFA may choose another team to represent Uganda in order of Sporting Merit of the both the 1st Division and the FUFA Uganda Cup.”
Last season, Uganda was represented by Kitara after they beat NEC 1-0 in the final at Mutesa II stadium, Wankulukuku.