KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda Premier League champions Vipers SC have announced the departure of Belgian head coach Ivan Minnaert following the expiry of his contract, bringing to an end a remarkable campaign that saw the Venoms secure a historic unbeaten league title.
In a statement released on Sunday, June 7, the Kitende-based club confirmed that both parties had mutually agreed to part ways after Minnaert’s contract came to an end.
“Vipers Sports Club is pleased to announce that it has mutually parted ways with head coach, Ivan Minnaert, after the expiry of his contract,” the club said.
“The club appreciates Minnaert’s dedicated service and professionalism to Vipers SC and wishes him the best in his career path.”
The announcement comes just weeks after Minnaert guided Vipers to their eighth Uganda Premier League crown during the 2025/26 season. Under his leadership, the club completed one of the most dominant campaigns in Ugandan football history, finishing the league unbeaten with 67 points from 30 matches.
The achievement marked only the second unbeaten season in the history of Uganda’s top-flight league and further cemented Vipers’ position among the country’s most successful clubs.
Minnaert’s overall record was equally impressive. Across all competitions, he oversaw 39 matches, winning 25 of them while steering the team to the semifinals of the Uganda Cup. His performances earned him the Coach of the Season accolade.
Despite the team’s success, sections of the Vipers fan base had occasionally expressed concerns about the style of play, arguing that results were not always matched by entertaining football. Nevertheless, the Belgian tactician consistently delivered positive outcomes and maintained the club’s dominance throughout the campaign.
The decision has generated mixed reactions among supporters. While some fans welcomed the news, arguing that the club should pursue a more expansive style of football, others thanked Minnaert for overseeing one of the most successful periods in the club’s recent history.
On social media, some supporters celebrated his exit, while others praised him for building a disciplined and resilient team that achieved an unbeaten league run.
Vipers now face the challenge of identifying a successor as preparations begin for the 2026/27 season. The club will be aiming to defend its league title while also mounting a strong campaign in the upcoming CAF Champions League.
As of Sunday evening, Vipers had not announced who would take charge of the team next season.
Minnaert leaves Kitende having delivered silverware, individual honours and a place in the club’s history books, with his unbeaten league campaign likely to be remembered as one of the finest achievements in Ugandan football in recent years.
