Overview:
Jacky Ivan Minnaert in the Vipers technical dugout must be aware that a slow start could lead to his axing especially after failing to take the team to the group stages of the Caf Champions League.
Saturday Nov 1, 2025
- Entebbe UPPC vs Vipers – Bugonga Fisheries Ground 4pm
- Mbarara City vs NEC – Rwamwanje stadium, Kamwenge 4pm
Vipers kick start their title defence in nearby Entebbe when they visit newly promoted Entebbe UPPC at Fisheries Ground Bugonga on Saturday.
Their new season has been delayed, first, by their stance against playing in a three-phase format that has since been suspended and then their participation in the Caf Champions League.
Failure to get to the group stages of the interclub competition means that all their focus now turns to defending their crown.
In Entebbe UPPC, they face a new side but not faces as nearly all the technical bench of the hosts were once at Kitende in different capacities.
The manager Abdallah Mubiru and the first team coach Livingstone Mbabazi were coaches at Vipers while their immediate below them – Edward Ssali and Godfrey Walusimbi were players at Bunamwaya before it was renamed Vipers.
Again, Isa Bugembe, Fazil Tumwine and Isa Mubiru who have been key in the club’s bright start to the season were at one time Vipers players.
Mbabazi, in his pre-match preview was full of respect for the champions but says they can hurt them.
“We give respect to them as champions and as one that carried our flag on the continent,” he said. “But the game against them is like any other and we shall try to fight and get a good result,” he added.
Despite losing their opening game, the Entebbe based side have since recovered well winning twice against Lugazi and NEC and also drawing with record champions SC Villa away from home.
Jacky Ivan Minnaert in the Vipers technical dugout must be aware that a slow start could lead to his axing especially after failing to take the team to the group stages of the Caf Champions League.
With title rivals already doing well, Vipers must win at Bugonga to make a title statement.
Allan Okello, Yunus Sentamu, Milton Karisa, Usama Arafat, Gusto Mulongo and Nigeria Chukwuma Odili must show their worth if Vipers are to leave Bugonga with maximum points.
In the other game on the day, NEC travel to Kamwenge to face Mbarara City with the two sides yet to win a game so far.
