Ugandan champions Vipers SC have appointed former AFC Leopards tactician Ivan Jacky Minnaert as their new head coach ahead of the new 25/26 season.The Kitende-based outfit confirmed the Belgian’s arrival via an official statement on their club website, unveiling the 58-year-old on a long-term contract from Liberian top-flight side FC Fassell.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news The announcement comes just weeks after the club secured a historic domestic double , clinching their seventh Uganda Premier League title and the Uganda Cup.”Vipers Sports Club have contracted and unveiled massively experienced Belgian tactician Ivan Jacky Minnaert as the new head coach on a permanent basis,” read part of the club’s statement.##NAJAVA_MECA_9023490##Minnaert, a UEFA Pro License holder, brings a wealth of experience to St. Mary’s Kitende Stadium, having managed across multiple African countries.His resume includes spells with top clubs such as Al-Ittihad Tripoli (Libya), Black Leopards FC (South Africa), Rayon Sports and Mukura Victory (Rwanda), AS Kaloum Star (Guinea) and Djoliba AC (Mali). He has also coached Spanish lower-tier sides Union Estepona CF and CD San Roque.Mulee’s take on Harambee Stars’ technical bench requirements for guaranteed successThe club equally revealed that Minnaert will be assisted by Fred Muhumuza and John ‘Ayala’ Luyinda, the duo that guided the Venoms through a triumphant 2024/25 campaign.Their continued presence on the technical bench is expected to provide consistency and a strong foundation as the club embarks on a new chapter under the Belgian.“He will be assisted by the duo of John ‘Ayala’ Luyinda and Fred Muhumuza, who were in charge of the team in the 2024/25 season.” read another part of the other communique.Okoth announces next move after Sofapaka exitMinnaert will be tasked to defend Vipers’ domestic titles and lead a credible charge in the CAF Champions League, where the club is keen to improve its standing on the continental stage.Though his time in Kenya with AFC Leopards ended prematurely having been relieved of his duties just six months into a two-year contract,Minnaert successfully pursued legal redress. Rising Stars midfielder shines with brace in Leyton Orient’s 10-0 preseason routThe Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Arbitration Tribunal awarded him Kshs 2.4 million for wrongful dismissal, a decision that underscored the complexities of his turbulent stint with the 12-time Kenyan champions.
