Versatile and experienced Ugandan defender Herbert Achai has reached an agreement to join NEC FC from Express FC ahead of the upcoming transfer window, as per Africa Foot.
Calls Time on Spell at Express FC
The 25-year-old left-back will depart Express FC—seven-time Uganda Premier League champions and 10-time Uganda Cup winners—at the end of the current season. His one-year spell at the club will come to an end on June 30, 2025, when he becomes a free agent.
NEC FC, who are currently in the race for the 2024/25 league title, have sealed the deal ahead of what is expected to be a busy window.
€13,500 Agreement Finalized with NEC
Isaac Brian Mupere of Team Royal Agents, Achai’s manager, confirmed that the agreement was concluded at Sheraton Hotel on Monday, with all details finalized.
“It’s all done with NEC, after an agreement on Monday at Sheraton Hotel. All the details have been discussed and agreed on, and he’ll move for Ugx. 55 million (€13,500), since he’ll be a free agent. The talks have been ongoing for over a month, after Herbert’s (Achai) impressive performances this season,” Mupere revealed.
Achai is expected to join NEC at the start of July, bringing with him years of top-level experience and championship pedigree.
A Proven Winner with Top-Flight Pedigree
Achai joined Express FC at the start of this season from his boyhood club, KCCA FC—the most successful side in the Uganda Premier League with 13 titles.
During his time at KCCA, Achai won two Uganda Premier League titles and one Uganda Cup, also featuring in the CAF Champions League. Across four seasons at the club, he made 123 appearances, scoring six goals and providing 13 assists.
At Express, he has been a consistent performer, featuring in 25 matches this season across the Uganda Premier League and Uganda Cup, playing in multiple positions under coach Badru Kaddu.
National Team and Youth Career
Though he hasn’t received a call-up to the Uganda Cranes in the past year, Achai has previously made four senior competitive appearances for the national team. He also featured for Uganda at U-17 and U-20 levels, marking him as a product of the national youth system.
With this move to NEC FC, Herbert Achai looks set for a fresh chapter in his career, joining a side with championship ambitions and bringing with him a wealth of experience, adaptability, and winning mentality.
