Defending Stanbic Uganda Cup holders Vipers SC return to cup duty with a home tie against lower-tier side Pajule Lions at St. Mary’s Stadium, but head coach Jacky Ivan Minnaert has warned his players against underestimating the visitors.
While the Venoms boast far greater experience and quality on paper, the Belgian tactician is keen to ensure complacency does not creep into his squad as they chase another run in the competition.
“We are preparing for the game like we prepare for any other game,” he told the club media. “There’s no small team because every team wants to show their strength against Vipers,” he added.
Despite facing opponents from the lower divisions, Minnaert has hinted that he could still rely on a strong lineup to avoid any surprises and guarantee safe passage to the Round of 16.
🔴 | COACH SPEAKS
🗣 | “We are preparing for the game like we prepare for any other game. There’s no small team because every team wants to show their strength against Vipers SC…” Head coach, Ivan Minnaert, speaks ahead of our #StanbicUgandaCup match against Pajule Lions FC.… pic.twitter.com/G6k5Ph0Vq3
— 𝐕𝐢𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛 (@VipersSC) February 23, 2026
Vipers progressed from the previous stage, edging Northern Gateway FC, thanks to a decisive strike from Chukwuma Odili, whose goal proved enough to steer the Venoms into the current round of the Stanbic Uganda Cup.
Elsewhere in Tuesday’s fixtures, Kitara FC face fellow Uganda Premier League side Entebbe UPPC at Royal Park Butema Stadium.
