Former AFC Leopards coach bags award in Uganda after winning league title

Former AFC Leopards head coach Ivan Minnaert has been named the 2025/26 Uganda Premier League Coach of the Season, following a remarkable debut campaign with Vipers SC.

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The Belgian tactician received the prestigious accolade during the Uganda Premier League Awards gala held on Friday, 29 May at Kati Kati restaurant along the Lugogo By-Pass in Kampala, capping off a season in which he guided the Venoms to league glory in emphatic fashion.

Minnaert, who took charge of the Kitende-based side at the beginning of the season, steered Vipers to their eighth Uganda Premier League title, while maintaining an unbeaten record throughout the campaign.

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His vast experience proved instrumental as Vipers successfully defended the crown they had won during the 2024/25 season.

Under his stewardship, Vipers played 29 league matches, registering 19 victories—the highest tally in the division, matched only by KCCA FC—while drawing the remaining 10 fixtures.

The unbeaten run ultimately propelled the Venoms to the championship, and further cemented their status as one of Uganda's dominant football forces.

Minnaert's achievement marks yet another milestone in a coaching career that has seen him manage across several African leagues.

Vipers also dominated the individual awards categories during the ceremony.

Midfielder Abdul Karim Watambala was crowned the Most Valuable Player of the Season, while Rodgers Ochaki claimed the Goal of the Season award.

Elsewhere, Hannington Sebwalunyo walked away with the Golden Glove award, Enrique Lubwama was recognized as the Young Player of the Season, while KCCA FC striker Ivan Ahimbisibwe emerged as the league's Golden Boot winner.

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Reacting to his latest recognition, Minnaert dedicated the award to the collective effort behind Vipers' successful campaign, paying tribute to the club's leadership, players and backroom staff.

"This recognition is not about one person," Minnaert wrote on his Facebook page. "It is the result of collective work, shared belief, discipline, sacrifice and commitment. My sincere gratitude to our President, Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa, for his continued support, belief and leadership."

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"To our players — thank you for your mentality, hard work, resilience and daily commitment to excellence. To our technical staff, medical department, management and everybody working around the team — thank you for your professionalism, dedication and contribution throughout the season.

Together, we achieved an unbeaten season, the 2025/26 Uganda Premier League title, and now this recognition," he concluded.