Overview:
Vipers carry a slim 1-0 lead from the first leg of the CAF Champions League (preliminary round) over Namibian African Stars; courtesy of a goal from defender Hilary Mukundane.
CAF Champions League (Preliminary Round, Return Leg):
- Saturday, 27th September 2025
- Vipers (Uganda) Vs African Stars (Namibia)
- At St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende (7 PM)
Vipers Sports Club captain Milton Karisa remains optimistic that the Venoms will progress to the next round of the CAF Champions League preliminary stage, at the expense of African Stars from Namibia.
Addressing the media during the official pre-match press conference at St Mary’s Stadium, Karisa expressed delight playing before their beloved home fans in the first game of the virgin season (2025-2026).
“It is always a pleasure playing before our home fans.” He opened up prior to the return leg on Saturday, 27th September 2025.
“We come into the game having won 1-0 away. Now, that is in the past. This is now a new game altogether. The main focus is on the game at hand. We need positive results and we expect home support” Karisa added.
Karisa also highlighted on the opportunities of playing continental football, particularly to the players and the country in general.
“Playing continental football is a big honour for us players. As Vipers, we are representing the country on the continent and a viable platform to showcase our full potentiality as we market ourselves. We shall therefore give our best and therefore call all fans regardless of their clubs to support us” Karisa remarked.
Vipers carry a slim 1-0 lead from the first leg of the CAF Champions League (preliminary round) over Namibian African Stars; courtesy of a goal from defender Hilary Mukundane.
Meanwhile, Vipers’ head coach Ivan Jacky Minnaert, a Belgian who holds a UEFA Pro-License anticipates a supportive crowd that will push the team.
“We expect a full house at St Mary’s Kitende and we know the fans will push us. We have a big squad who are all ready to give their best” the vastly experienced tactician who has worked in Guinea, Libya, South Africa, Kenya and Rwanda, among others told the media during the pre-match press conference at Kitende.
A draw of any nature or a clear cut victory will see Vipers sail through to the second round where ASEC Mimosa (Ivory Coast) or Power Dynamos (Zambia) await.
African Stars head coach Bob Mafoso and captain Ronald Ketjijere also addressed the media; vowing to give Vipers a good run of their money.
African Stars arrived in the country earlier in the week and were checked in at Hotel Horizon in the heart of Entebbe Municipality.
They have seen conducted a training session at the St Mary’s Stadium Kitende and await the final drills on Friday.