Ugandan Premier League football champions Vipers SC have arrived in Kigali, Rwanda, ahead of the start of the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup, where they will begin their campaign against Djibouti’s FC Garde Republicaine on Friday at Amahoro Stadium.
The Vipers FC arrival at Highlands Suites Hotel with a 24-man squad selected by head coach Denis Lavagne, who will be taking charge of his first competitive tournament since joining the Kitende-based club.
Among the biggest talking points is the return of Uganda Cranes midfielder Farouk Miya, who rejoins the club after a decade playing in Europe. Congolese striker Cesar Manzoki is also back in Vipers colours, boosting the club’s attacking options after previously enjoying a successful spell with the team.
New arrivals Gabonese goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba and midfielder Joel Sserunjogi have also earned places in the travelling squad as the French tactician continues to shape his side ahead of the new season.
The Venoms will be captained by speed merchant forward Milton Karisa.
The CECAFA Kagame Cup will provide Vipers with valuable competitive action as they prepare to defend their Uganda Premier League title and embark on their CAF Champions League campaign.
Vipers SC squad
Goalkeepers: Loyce Mbaba, Denis Kiggundu, Jack Komakech.
Defenders: Hilary Mukundane, Kevin Dasylva, Rogers Torach, Patrick Mbowa, Ashraf Mandela, Nicholas Mwere, Derrick Ndahiro.
Midfielders: Joel Sserunjogi, Amour Munongera, Marvin Youngman, Karim Watambala, Farouk Miya, Odili Chukwuma, Usama Arafat.
Forwards: Cesar Manzoki, Gusto Mulongo, Yunus Sentamu, Isaac Ogwang, Beyuku Goldi, Milton Karisa, Annest Ankunda.
