Uganda, May 5 -- Even during his playing days with SC Villa and Uganda Cranes, Nec coach Hussein Mbalangu was always an unheralded figure.

He was this sturdy and bullish forward who banged goals for fun but never out of late Magid Musisi's overbearing shadow.

Come his enigmatic coaching career, Mbalangu rarely takes the plaudits when his teams register tangible success.

His reserved demeanor and staunch Islamic principles allow him to enjoy taking the back seat and let others glow in his sweat.

After guiding new league comers NEC to their maiden Stanbic Uganda Cup finals following a 3-1 aggregate win over Bul on Saturday, Mbalangu seemed a relieved man who deserved a pat on the back.

"We have worked for it (Uganda Cup). Our first tar...