Ugandan football took a dramatic turn on July 18, 2025, when Vipers Sports Club officially confirmed the appointment of Belgian tactician Ivan Jacky Minnaert as their new head coach. Known for a diverse international coaching career, Minnaert’s arrival at the St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, is set to invigorate the Ugandan Premier League (UPL) giants at a pivotal moment in their development.
Club’s Pursuit of Stability and Glory
The decision to bring Minnaert on board reflects Vipers SC’s commitment to rebuilding after a period marked by frequent coaching changes and fluctuating form. Following a string of high-profile appointments—many foreign, with varying degrees of success—the club continues its search for sustained dominance in Ugandan and regional football.
Club president Lawrence Mulindwa emphasized Minnaert’s vast experience, noting in the unveiling statement,
“Vipers Sports Club have unveiled massively experienced Belgian gaffer, Ivan Jacky Minnaert as head coach.”
The club’s leadership expressed confidence in the Belgian’s ability to instill discipline, tactical awareness, and a winning mentality—qualities the club seeks to cement as part of its culture.
Ivan Minnaert: A Coach of International Repute
Born in Brussels, Minnaert possesses the UEFA Pro Licence—the highest coaching qualification in European football—awarded in 2012 by the Spanish Football Federation. His career has spanned over a decade across Africa’s top leagues, giving him a unique perspective on building successful teams under diverse conditions.
Coaching Journey
Mali: At Djoliba AC, Minnaert was lauded for his ambitions and for guiding the club amid turbulent times, although he left after the club faced relegation due to administrative sanctions.
Kenya: As head coach of AFC Leopards, he famously ended Gor Mahia’s 35-match unbeaten run in the Kenyan Premier League, earning a Coach of the Month award, though his tenure was cut short by boardroom and results-related challenges.
Rwanda: Coached both Rayon Sports and Mukura Victory, with achievements including leading Rayon Sports into the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup.
Guinea: Kept AS Kaloum Star from relegation and pushed them to a quarterfinal finish in the national cup.
South Africa & Libya: Served as an assistant and later head coach at Black Leopards in South Africa, before moving on to Al-Ittihad in Libya, where he managed youth and senior teams with notable success in CAF Confederation Cup preliminary rounds.
Most recently, Minnaert guided FC Fassell in Liberia to their first ever top-flight title, an achievement he attributed to strategic planning and instilling discipline within the club.
Philosophy & Expectations
Minnaert is known for prioritizing discipline, tactical flexibility, and step-by-step development. He adapts systems to make the best of available talent, often underlining collective work ethic over individual flair. His ability to work effectively across language barriers and football cultures suggests he is well equipped to handle the pressures and diversity of Ugandan football and beyond.
Challenges and Opportunities
Vipers SC have won multiple Uganda Premier League titles and are consistent contenders in both local and continental competitions. However, inconsistency in the technical bench has sometimes undermined their continental campaigns. With Minnaert’s extensive experience in CAF competitions, including the Champions League and Confederation Cup, the club clearly aims to deepen its impact beyond Uganda’s borders.
The club’s fans will be eager to see tangible improvements—both in results and in the quality of football. Minnaert’s mandate includes building a sustainable structure, nurturing local talent, and challenging for trophies, particularly as the UPL grows more competitive each season.
What This Appointment Means for Ugandan Football
Bringing in Ivan Minnaert is not just a strategic move for Vipers SC but speaks volumes about the allure of Ugandan football for elite foreign coaches. His appointment is viewed as a vote of confidence in the league’s potential and the club’s ambition. If successful, Minnaert’s tenure could set a benchmark for professional standards in coaching, preparation, and talent management in the region.
Conclusion
Ivan Minnaert’s arrival at Vipers SC ushers in a new chapter for one of Uganda’s premier clubs. With his global experience, proven track record in Africa, and focus on planning and discipline, the club hopes he will be the catalyst for a period of sustained success and continental breakthrough. As the 2025/26 season approaches, all eyes will be on Kitende to see if Minnaert can turn Vipers SC’s ambitions into reality.