Vipers Sack Head Coach Ivan Jacky Minnaert

Uganda Premier League champions Vipers SC have parted ways with head coach Ivan Jacky Minnaert.

The Belgian tactician leaves the club after guiding the Venoms to the 2025-26 Uganda Premier League title, the eighth league championship in the club’s history.

Despite delivering the league crown, Vipers’ management were reportedly unconvinced by the team’s overall style of play and long-term identity under Minnaert.

Speaking on the club’s crowning day, Vipers SC president Dr Lawrence Mulindwa hinted at major plans ahead of the next campaign.

“We are going to build a team that will be strong enough to compete in the next CAF Champions League, and it starts today,” Mulindwa said.

Minnaert’s departure now leaves Vipers searching for a new head coach ahead of a busy period that includes participation in this year’s CECAFA Kagame Cup.

The Venoms are expected to appoint a new coach before the regional tournament gets underway.

Minnaert joined Vipers after a successful spell in Liberia, where he guided Fassell to the 2024-25 Liberian Premier League title. He followed that achievement by winning the Uganda Premier League in his first season with the Kitende-based club.

Vipers enjoyed a remarkable domestic campaign, losing only one league match throughout the season.

That defeat came via a boardroom decision after the club forfeited a fixture against Kitara FC, with the latter awarded the points.

As a result, Vipers completed the 2025-26 Uganda Premier League season without suffering a defeat on the field of play and still comfortably secured the league title.

However, that impressive record was not enough to guarantee Minnaert’s future at the club.

The Belgian was also recognised for his achievements after being named the Uganda Premier League Coach of the Season at the league’s official awards ceremony.