Wakiso, Uganda: Uganda Premier League champions Vipers Sports Club have unveiled Belgian tactician Ivan Jacky Minnaert as their new head coach on a permanent basis, signaling a fresh era for the Kitende-based side.
The 58-year-old Minnaert, who boasts an extensive coaching résumé across Europe and Africa, has signed a long-term contract as Vipers SC targets both domestic and continental glory.
Minnaert joins the Venoms from Fassell Football Club in Liberia, where he clinched the 2024/25 league title, finishing 11 points clear of closest rivals Heaven Eleven FC.
His immediate task will be steering Vipers through an ambitious season on multiple fronts — the CAF Champions League, Uganda Premier League, and domestic competitions.
Vipers also confirmed that John ‘Ayala’ Luyinda and Fred Muhumuza, who guided the team to a historic domestic double last season, have been retained as assistant coaches.
The duo remain pivotal to the club’s technical structure and will now work under Minnaert’s leadership.
Minnaert’s managerial pedigree includes notable stints at Al-Ittihad Tripoli (Libya), where he won the 2020/21 league title, as well as spells in Spain (Union Estepona CF, CD San Roque), Mali (Djoliba AC), Kenya (AFC Leopards), and Rwanda (Rayon Sports FC).
Vipers’ bold move to bring in Minnaert underlines the club’s desire to consolidate their domestic dominance and establish a stronger footprint in African club football.
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