Minnaert set for home debut as Vipers host African stars in crucial return leg
Training at St. Marys Kitende
The return leg clash is set for this Saturday, 27th September 2025, at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, as Vipers SC welcome African Stars in a decisive continental tie.
Head coach Ivan Jacky Minnaert will lead the Venoms before the home fans for the first time since his appointment. The Belgian tactician, who holds a UEFA Pro-License and boasts coaching experience in Guinea, Libya, South Africa, Kenya, and Rwanda, is confident that the passionate Kitende crowd will play a pivotal role.
“We expect a full house at St Mary’s, and we know the fans will push us,” Minnaert told the media during the pre-match press conference.
Minnaert further revealed that he has a fully fit squad at his disposal, giving him plenty of options for selection.
“All the players are available. We have about 30 quality players to pick from, and there are no injury concerns,” he added.
In the first leg at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town, defender Hilary Mukundane netted early for Vipers, and the Venoms held onto the slim lead until the final whistle. That crucial away result means a draw of any kind or a victory will be enough to see Vipers progress to the second round, where they will face either ASEC Mimosa (Ivory Coast) or Power Dynamos (Zambia).
Team captain Milton Karisa also addressed the press, stressing the importance of mental strength and commitment ahead of the showdown.
On the other side, African Stars’ head coach Bob Mafoso and captain Ronald Ketjijere promised to test Vipers to the limit. The Namibian side arrived in Uganda earlier this week and are camped at Hotel Horizon, Entebbe. They have already trained at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, and will hold their final session on Friday, 26th September.
