Minnaert Demands Ruthless Response as Vipers Seek to Reignite Title Push

Uganda Premier League

Today, 8pm

Vipers v UPDF

Vipers SC return to the familiar glow of the Kitende floodlights tonight with a simple mission: restore authority. After a frustrating 1-1 draw with rivals SC Villa, the Venoms approach their clash with UPDF FC knowing that every point now carries added weight in the UPL title chase.

But the shift in mood at Kitende has less to do with dropped points and more to do with performance standards that head coach Ivan Minnaert believes must rise sharply.

In a candid assessment of last weekend’s outing, the Belgian tactician did not hold back.

“We lacked the edge and sharpness required at this level. The intensity must improve, and our finishing has to be more clinical,” Minnaert said, insisting that the team builds on the few positives picked from the Villa draw.

Vipers sit fourth with 13 points from only five matches—an advantageous position considering their three games in hand. Victory tonight would tighten the race at the top, where KCCA and Villa are currently tied on 17 points.

All eyes will again fall on striker Yunus Sentamu, who found space but not precision against Villa. A night that should have produced a hat-trick instead delivered frustration, including a disallowed goal for offside. Under the lights, he has an opportunity to reset the narrative.

The defensive pairing of Hillary Mukundane and Kevin Dyslyva will also be tested. Their momentary lapse allowed Frank Sebuufu to head Villa into the lead, and tonight they must contend with UPDF’s aerial powerhouse Samuel Kayongo Ssekamatte.

Meanwhile, visitors UPDF arrive in Kitende navigating troubled waters. Coach Paul Kiwanuka’s men have lost five of their seven games and sit 14th. While their only two victories have come away from home, those wins were against the league’s bottom two clubs Calvary and Mbarara City.

History will not offer much comfort either. UPDF have never beaten Vipers, and the Venoms have claimed the last five meetings with authority.

For Minnaert’s side, tonight is about more than three points it is about reasserting identity, rhythm and ruthlessness. For UPDF, it is a daunting attempt to overturn a record that has never tilted in their favour.