Uganda topflight side Vipers Sports Club has confirmed the departure of four first-team players.
The players leave the Kitende money bags following the expiration of their contracts. They include Martin Kizza and midfielder Marvin Joseph Youngman. Others are seasoned right back Ashraf Mandela and left back Issa Mubiru.
Kizza joined Vipers in January 2023 on a free transfer following a memorable time at Express FC. He has previously featured for SC Villa and Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). Additionally, Kizza is well-traveled with stints in South Africa for Free State Stars (2019) and Royal Eagles (2020).
He leaves Vipers after a forgettable experience with minimal game time despite winning the league and Uganda Cup. Similarly, for Youngman, his time at Kitende was majorly spent on the bench despite winning all the honors. Youngman sat out his two-year deal after joining from Soltilo Bright Stars in 2022. He’s currently being linked with a move to Europe, with Germany the most likely destination.
The other two players, Mandela and Mubiru, have already established themselves at new clubs. Seasoned right back Ashraf Mandela has already secured a move to Kigali with Rwanda’s Police FC. Mandela rejoined Vipers in 2022 for a second stint after leaving Uganda Revenue Authority FC. A graduate of the St. Mary’s Kitende conveyor belt, Mandela left Vipers in 2018 for SC Villa.
On the other hand, Issa Mubiru has already made his debut with KCCA in the FUFA Super 8. He left Vipers after two seasons, having won both the Uganda Cup and league trophies.
Others include goalkeeper Fabien Mutombora, Murushid Juuko and Bright Anukani.
Vipers moves on
Vipers has since moved on to life without the players, signing several similar players. Left-back Derrick Ndahiro replaced Mubiru. Meanwhile, veteran Nicholas Wadada returns to play right back. Other signings include striker Kenneth Kimera from Wakiso Giants FC and Angolan midfielder Pedro Sukuya.
The departure of such high-profile players reignites the conversation about Ugandan players always leaving on free transfers. This puts clubs in a tough position since they do not secure the big money that would be associated with transfers of these players.
Vipers kicked off their FUFA Super 8 journey by securing a semi-final slot at the expense of NEC. A goalless draw at Kitende was followed by a one-all draw at Phillip Omondi Stadium Lugogo, giving Vipers the advantage based on away goals. They play a Uganda Select side composed of Uganda Cranes players tutored by the Cranes assistant coach Sam Ssimbwa. The Select side knocked out league champions 4-1 on aggregate.
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