Vipers on brink of title amid mounting pressure on Minnaert

Uganda Premier League

Today, 4pm

Maroons v Vipers

Mbarara v Buhimba

BUL v Kitara

Police v UPPC

Express v Lugazi

At 8pm

URA v KCCA

Tomorrow

NEC v Villa

Vipers SC head into today’s Uganda Premier League (UPL) clash against Maroons FC at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku under immense pressure after a poor run of results threatened what once looked like a certain domestic double.

The Venoms, who were favourites to defend both the UPL title and Stanbic Uganda Cup, have struggled badly in recent weeks, drawing eight of their last 10 matches in all competitions.

Their latest setback came last Friday when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Kitara FC in the return leg of the Uganda Cup semifinal at St Mary’s Stadium, a result that saw them eliminated from the competition on away goals rule.

That disappointing exit has increased scrutiny on head coach Ivan Minnaert, whose side has lost momentum at the worst possible time.

Despite their recent struggles, Vipers remain top of the league standings with 61 points, three ahead of second-placed KCCA, with both teams having two games remaining to play.

Victory against Maroons would hand Vipers their eighth league title regardless of KCCA’s result against URA later under the floodlights at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.

With only two games left this season, Vipers also hold a significant advantage over KCCA in the head-to-head record. This means that if the Venoms win today but lose their final home match against Express, and KCCA win both their remaining fixtures against URA and Mbarara City to finish level on points, Vipers would still be crowned champions.

However, Vipers’ recent performances have left their supporters anxious. The defending champions have struggled to impose themselves both home and away, with their most recent league outing ending in a goalless draw against Police FC at Kira Road Arena in Kamwokya.

Minnaert’s future has also become a major talking point. Reports suggest that even if he wins the league title, his position may still be uncertain. Club proprietor Lawrence Mulindwa is reportedly unhappy with the team’s recent displays and tactical approach, with his frustration visible during the Uganda Cup semifinal defeat when he left the directors’ box before full-time.

Away from Vipers’ title ambitions, KCCA remain hopeful of capitalising on any slip-up from the leaders. The Kasasiro Boys know Vipers have shown signs of vulnerability and will aim to keep the title race alive by collecting maximum points against a struggling URA side.

UPL Table

Pos Club     P     W    D    L     F      A     GD   Pts

1    Vipers   28   17    10   1    50   17   +33  61

2    KCCA     28   18     4    6    42   21   +21  58