Vipers SC head coach Ivan Jacky Minnaert says his squad is entering a demanding stretch of fixtures, asserting that rotation will be crucial after his side’s high-tempo 1–1 draw with SC Villa at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende on Saturday.
With another match coming in less than 72 hours, as the Venoms host UPDF FC on Tuesday, Minnaert revealed he will be forced to make adjustments.
“The games are coming thick and fast,” Minnaert stressed to the press. “We played Express on Wednesday, Villa, and now UPDF FC on Tuesday. It’s a heavy run, and we must manage it well.”
Vipers and Villa trade blows in high-octane Kitende showdown
“We shall likely make changes because some players need to rest, yet we need freshness. If we want to maintain our level, we must be smart with the squad.”
His comments framed a match that delivered the intensity expected of one of Uganda’s most heated rivalries. From kick-off, the atmosphere throbbed with tension as both sides flew forward with ambition, eager to land the first real blow.
Eventually, Simon Kato Ssemayange and Usama Arafat Kiza netted for Villa and Vipers, respectively, to earn each side a draw in the evening.
Ready to bring the fight again tomorrow ✊🏿
𝙏𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙫𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 ↪️ https://t.co/8gGPO6zbLb#VenomsUpdates || #OneTeamOneDream || pic.twitter.com/zhkCUZhuom
— 𝐕𝐢𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛 (@VipersSC) December 1, 2025
The result moved SC Villa to second place on 17 points, while Vipers sit fourth with 13 points and three games in hand, matches Minnaert knows could be decisive if handled with the careful rotation he insists is now unavoidable.
Against UPDF, the defending champions will be keen on regaining their mojo, well-knowing that victory can take them up to second on the log.
