CAF Champions League – Preliminary Round (Return Leg)
Saturday, 27th September 2025 | St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende | 7 PM
Ugandan giants Vipers Sports Club stand on the brink of continental progress as they welcome Namibia’s African Stars for a do-or-die CAF Champions League return leg this Saturday at the St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
The Venoms carry a fragile yet precious 1-0 advantage from the first leg in Cape Town, where defender Hilary Mukundane’s early strike silenced Athlone Stadium and gave Vipers a foothold in the tie.
Now, all roads lead to Kitende, where the Belgian tactician Ivan Jacky Minnaert will make his long-awaited home debut before what promises to be a roaring crowd.
“We expect a full house at St Mary’s Kitende and we know the fans will push us,” Minnaert declared during the pre-match presser, exuding confidence and calm. “All players are fit, there are no injuries. We have 30 quality men to choose from – and we are ready.”
The vastly traveled UEFA Pro License holder, with stints in Guinea, Libya, South Africa, Kenya, and Rwanda, knows the weight of continental nights and believes Kitende’s faithful can be the twelfth man.
On the pitch, captain Milton Karisa stressed mental fortitude and belief as vital ingredients for victory.
“We must be committed, mentally sharp, and believe in ourselves. That is the only way to cross this hurdle,” Karisa remarked.
But the visitors are no pushovers. African Stars, handled by Bob Mafoso and skippered by veteran Ronald Ketjijere, touched down in Entebbe earlier this week and have been quietly sharpening their claws.
Camped at Hotel Horizon and already training at the match venue, the Namibians have promised to make Vipers sweat for their ticket.
A draw of any kind will be enough for the Venoms, but victory would send a loud statement to the continent. Lurking in the next round are continental heavyweights ASEC Mimosas (Ivory Coast) or Zambia’s Power Dynamos, a clash Vipers would relish.
Leave feedback about this