Vipers Sports Club have welcomed home a familiar face with the re-signing of experienced right-back Ashraf Mandela, who has committed to a three-year deal at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
For Mandela, this is not uncharted territory. The 23-year-old defender first donned Vipers colours as a teenager during his days at St Mary’s Secondary School, Kitende, before making his way into the senior fold until 2015. His career then took him to SC Villa for the 2018/19 campaign and later to URA FC, where he built a solid reputation across three impressive seasons.
Mandela’s second stint with the Venoms came in 2022, and it proved fruitful, he lifted two Uganda Premier League titles and a Uganda Cup during his two-year stay. After departing in 2024, he ventured to Rwanda, joining Police FC, where he gained more experience on the regional stage.
Strengthening our defence 💪🏿
Delighted to have you on board, Mandem 🫡#VenomsUpdates || #OneTeamOneDream || pic.twitter.com/jNZEkURKfg
— 𝐕𝐢𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛 (@VipersSC) September 10, 2025
Now back for a third spell, Mandela’s arrival instantly boosts Vipers’ defensive ranks as they prepare for another demanding campaign. He will have to battle for a place in the starting XI against Grant Matsiko and fellow seasoned right-back Nicholas Wakiro Wadada, but his know-how and versatility make him a valuable option.
The club sees his return as both a reunion and reinforcement, a move aimed at adding stability to a squad bracing for domestic and continental challenges.
Mandela’s signing continues a busy transfer window for Vipers, who have already unveiled Robin Kane Hney, Mark Yallah, Odili Chukwuma, Kevin Dasylva Bady and midfielder Enock Ssebaggala.
