Vipers SC has appointed Belgian coach Ivan Jacky Minnaert as their new head coach, replacing Fred Muhumuza and John Luyinda ‘Ayala’. Minnaert was unveiled by Vipers president Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa at Kitende, ahead of the team’s CAF Champions League campaign.
Minnaert, 58, holds a UEFA A license and has an impressive record, having won league titles and cups with teams in Liberia, Mali, Kenya, Guinea, South Africa, and Rwanda. He is expected to lead Vipers to success in the CAF Champions League and retain their dominance in the Ugandan league and Stanbic Uganda Cup.
The Belgian arrives from Liberia, where he steered Fassell FC to a league title in impressive fashion, finishing well clear of nearest challengers Heaven Eleven FC. His African pedigree also includes leading Al-Ittihad Tripoli to league glory in Libya during the 2020/21 season.
Minnaert’s coaching journey has taken him across Europe and Africa, with notable stops in Spain at Union Estepona CF and CD San Roque, and a wide-ranging presence in African football. He has managed top-tier sides in Kenya (AFC Leopards), Rwanda (Rayon Sports and Mukura Victory), Mali (Djoliba AC), Guinea (AS Kaloum Star), and South Africa (Black Leopards FC).
Dr. Mulindwa emphasized Vipers’ winning culture and urged Minnaert to build on the team’s success. “We move with winners and crush others. Minnaert will take us to greater heights and make us more formidable in Africa.”
Minnaert replaces Luyinda and Muhumuza, who led Vipers to two cup titles last season. The team’s previous coach, Nicola Kavazovic, was sacked last season after just three games.
