James Jarieko wants to help NEC FC finish top of the Uganda Premier League after celebrating his first league brace in Tuesday’s emphatic 5-1 victory over Ntugasaze at Phillip Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.
The forward scored twice as NEC bounced back from their first defeat of the season against BUL in style, moving to 17 points and keeping the pressure on the league leaders.
Jarieko was quick to acknowledge the support of his teammates and fans, while also crediting coach Badru Kaddu for helping the team respond to their setback.
“I want to thank the players and the fans. It wasn’t easy because I remember the last game we lost, so our coach taught us a lot of things,” Jarieko said.
“We came back. We were training hard for this game so that we could get momentum and see what’s next.”
The forward had another reason to celebrate. His two goals marked the first time he had scored twice in a single league game since making his Premier League debut.
“I want to thank Almighty because it’s my first brace in the league since I started playing in the Premier League, so I’m so grateful. I’m happy,” he added.
“I pray for more to come. It was massive. You know, you alone, you cannot play.”
For Jarieko, however, the greatest satisfaction was seeing NEC respond collectively after their defeat to BUL. He believes that unity will be crucial if the Diehards are to achieve their season’s ambition.
“Today it was all about teamwork,” he said.
The forward also made it clear that NEC are not content with simply competing near the top. Their target, agreed upon before the campaign, is to finish first.
“My target is at least to put this team on top so that we can achieve because we discussed before the league; we want to finish number one, so the target is to make this team be on top.”
NEC hit back in style
NEC had plenty to prove after losing to BUL, but they were initially given a scare by a Ntugasaze side that took the lead in the fourth minute through Jeremy Otim.
Coach Kaddu made three changes to the team that started against BUL, bringing captain Hannington Ssebwalunyo back in goal. Tonny Atukunda started in midfield ahead of youngster Enrique Lubwama, while Muhammad Ssenoga Kagawa replaced Innocent Media.
Despite falling behind early, NEC gradually found their rhythm and levelled in the 18th minute. Ibrahim Musa pounced on a rebound after the goalkeeper had saved Richard Basangwa’s initial effort.
The hosts continued to push and got their reward three minutes before half-time. Basangwa set up Jarieko, who calmly finished to give NEC a 2-1 lead at the break.
The Diehards returned even stronger after the restart, piling pressure on Ntugasaze and creating more problems for the visitors.
Kaddu introduced Fahad Bayo, Emmanuel Kulanga and Marvin Oshaba a minute after the hour mark, with the trio replacing Basangwa, Kagawa and Daniel Shabene.
The changes paid off almost immediately. Six minutes after coming on, Bayo rose to head home Musa’s delivery, extending NEC’s advantage and opening his goal account for the club.
Jarieko then struck again in the 73rd minute to complete his brace before Oshaba put the finishing touch on the performance, scoring two minutes from time to seal a convincing 5-1 victory.
The win leaves NEC third on 17 points, just two behind leaders BUL, who host Entebbe UPPC on Saturday.
For Ntugasaze, the afternoon brought further frustration. They remain 16th on three points, firmly in the relegation zone.
NEC will now look to build on their impressive response when they travel to Bukedea to face Blacks Power FC at the BCS Sports Complex on October 31.