Defending champions Vipers SC will aim to keep their Stanbic Uganda Cup campaign on track when they host lower-division outfit Pajule Lions at St. Maryโs Stadium Kitende.
The Venoms head into the fixture as clear favourites to advance to the Round of 16, given the gulf in pedigree and experience between the two sides. However, head coach Jacky Ivan Minnaert insists his team will approach the encounter with the same seriousness they apply to any other match.
โWe are preparing for the game like we prepare for any other game,โ he told the club media. โThereโs no small team because every team wants to show their strength against Vipers,โ he added.
Minnaert is yet to reveal the lineup he will deploy, but indications suggest the Belgian tactician could opt for a strong squad as the holders seek a smooth passage into the next round.
๐ด #StanbicUgandaCup Matchday โซ
The Venoms host Fufa Northern Regional League side, Pajule Lions FC, under the lights at St Maryโs Stadium ๐ซ#VenomsUpdates || #OneTeamOneDream || pic.twitter.com/ZXeQZxIC9c
โ ๐๐ข๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ (@VipersSC) February 24, 2026
In the previous stage, Chukwuma Odili proved decisive for Vipers, scoring the crucial goal that ensured their progress.
In another Uganda Cup fixture scheduled for Tuesday, Kitara FC will take on fellow Uganda Premier League side Entebbe UPPC at Royal Park Butema Stadium.
๐ด | COACH SPEAKS
๐ฃ | โWe are preparing for the game like we prepare for any other game. Thereโs no small team because every team wants to show their strength against Vipers SC…โ Head coach, Ivan Minnaert, speaks ahead of our #StanbicUgandaCup match against Pajule Lions FC.โฆ pic.twitter.com/G6k5Ph0Vq3
โ ๐๐ข๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ (@VipersSC) February 23, 2026
Meanwhile, KCCA FC have already secured their place in the Round of 16 after edging Mbarara City FC 1-0 in Sundayโs contest.
