Uganda Premier League champions Vipers SC have unveiled versed Belgian tactician, Ivan Jacky Minnaert as the new head coach on a permanent basis.
The 58-year-old has been secured on a two-year employment contract that will run until the end of the 2026/27 campaign. He joins as the team strengthens their ranks ahead of the forthcoming campaign.
He takes over from the duo of John ‘Ayala’ Luyinda and Fred Muhumuza, who were in charge of the team in the 2024/25 season. Their last head coach was Serbian tactician, Nikola Kavazovic, who was sacked last season after three matches.
Meanwhile, Luyinda and Muhumuza guided the Venoms to a domestic double of the Uganda Premier League and Uganda Cup, their second in history.
Minnaert joins from Liberian Premier League outfit Fassell Football Club, which he helped to the League title in the 2024-2025 season.
Previously, he also worked with Libyan top-flight outfit Al-ttihad Tripoli, which he helped to the Championship in the 2020/21 campaign.
Among the other teams managed include Union Estepona CF and CD San Roque in Spain, Malian side Djoliba AC, Kenya’s AFC Leopards and Rwanda Premier League side Rayon Sport FC across two separate spells.
His African experience has also seen him manage in Guinea Conakry at AS Kaloum Star, at Rwanda’s Mukura Victory FC and at South African side Black Leopards FC.
Minnaert, meanwhile, holds a UEFA Pro License, which is the highest qualification for coaches. He’ll be expected to lead the Venoms to their second ever qualification to the CAF Champions League group stages.
