VIDEO: Vipers Unveil Gabon International Mbaba

Uganda Premier League champions Vipers SC have officially unveiled Gabonese goalkeeper Loyce Marius Mbaba.

The club announced the signing on Thursday, July 9, through its official social media platforms.

Sports Light Uganda had earlier reported the transfer, and it has now been officially confirmed by the Kitende-based club.

In welcoming the goalkeeper, Vipers posted:

“From Libreville, Gabon to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, and now to Kitende, Uganda.

Welcome Gabon’s number one goalkeeper, Loyce Mbaba.”

Mbaba becomes Vipers’ fourth signing of the current transfer window following the arrivals of Joel Sserunjogi, Jacques Mangoba, and Nicholas Mwere.

The 28-year-old joins the Venoms as a direct replacement for Alfred Mudekereza, who recently left the club following the expiry of his contract.

Mbaba has earned more than 16 caps for the Gabon senior national team and represented his country at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as well as the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

His signing was recommended by newly appointed head coach Denis Lavagne, who recently joined the club on a two-year contract.

The experienced shot-stopper won the 2017/18 Gabon top-flight league title with AS MangaSport and has also featured for Bouaké FC and Stella Club d’Adjamé during his career.

Mbaba’s arrival further underlines Vipers’ ambition to build a competitive squad ahead of the 2026/27 season, during which the club is expected to compete on multiple fronts.

The Venoms are set to feature in the CAF Champions League, CECAFA Kagame Cup, Uganda Premier League, Stanbic Uganda Cup, FUFA Super Cup, and the FUFA Super 8 Tournament.