Uganda Premier League champions Vipers SC have dropped a major bombshell, confirming they have mutually parted ways with Belgian head coach Ivan Jacky Minnaert.
The shocking development comes just after the veteran tactician successfully guided the Venoms to their 8th domestic league crown. According to an official statement released by the Kitende-based club on Sunday, Minnaert departs following the expiration of his contract. “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 appreciates Minnaert’s dedicated service and professionalism to Vipers SC and wishes him the best in his career path,” the club stated.
Despite securing ultimate silverware at St. Mary’s Stadium, murmurs of discontent regarding the team’s style of play had been growing among the Venoms’ faithful, paving the way for the club’s management to opt against a contract renewal.
Minnaert’s Achievements at Vipers SC
Minnaert arrived at Vipers SC on July 18, 2025, tasked by club president Lawrence Mulindwa with maintaining domestic dominance and building a formidable force on the continental stage. He stepped into big shoes, inheriting a squad that had previously secured a domestic double under local coaches John Luyinda and Fred Muhumuza, who subsequently served as his assistants.
During his single-season stint, the 59-year-old Belgian left an undeniable mark:
8th League Title Secured: He successfully steered the Venoms to the 2025/26 StarTimes Uganda Premier League crown, navigating a highly competitive campaign.
Tactical Control: Minnaert brought immense structural and tactical discipline to the squad, relying heavily on a proactive 4-3-3 attacking system.
Elite Record: Across all competitions in the 2025/26 campaign, he managed 34 matches, recording an impressive 21 victories, 11 draws, and just 2 defeats.
Coach Profile: A Decorated Journey Across Africa
Ivan Jacky Minnaert is no stranger to the transient nature of football management, boasting an extensive and highly decorated resume across Europe and Africa. Holding a prestigious UEFA Pro License—the highest coaching credential available globally—the Belgian tactician has built a reputation as a serial winner on the continent.
Before landing in Kampala, Minnaert had just engineered a historic run in West Africa, guiding Liberian Premier League side FC Fassell to a dominant 2024/25 league championship, finishing a massive 11 points clear at the top.
His journeyman career across Africa includes notable highlights:
Libya: Led top-flight giants Al-Ittihad Tripoli to league glory in the 2020/21 campaign.
Rwanda: Had two prominent spells with Rayon Sports FC, notably engineering a historic run to the CAF Confederation Cup group stages in 2018.
He also managed Mukura Victory FC.
East Africa Staples: Minnaert is familiar to regional fans beyond Uganda, having briefly managed Kenyan giants AFC Leopards back in 2016.
Other Stints: His diverse career includes management roles with Djoliba AC (Mali), AS Kaloum Star (Guinea), Black Leopards FC (South African First Division), as well as lower-league sides in Spain.
