Vipers SC, in a move to revamp their coaching staff, has appointed Charles Livingstone Mbabazi as the new head coach, replacing Leonard Neiva, who was recently dismissed. Mbabazi, widely regarded as one of the best coaches of his generation, joins Vipers from Arua Hill on a two-year deal.
Mbabazi’s coaching prowess is evident, having previously worked with Abdullah Mubiru at KCCA. Despite his skills, it was his attitude and character that seemingly prevented him from securing coaching roles with top-tier teams like KCCA FC.
The 43-year-old coach faces the challenge of turning around Vipers’ recent poor performance, with the team going three games without a win, including losses to BUL and Express and a draw against Maroons. Vipers currently sits in fourth place on the standings, trailing table leaders BUL by eight points.
Mbabazi’s coaching experience spans various teams, including Arua Hill, Wakiso Giants FC, Onduparaka FC, Mbarara City FC, Somalia National team, Soltilo Bright Stars FC, Lweza FC, and Masavu. As a former player, he featured for KCCA FC and Ireland’s St Patrick Athletic, earning recognition as a club great. He also played in Vietnam for Ha Noi ACB and Binh Duong, concluding his playing career at Wandegeya FC. Mbabazi represented the Cranes from 1998 to 2003.
His inaugural task with Vipers is set for Wednesday against NEC in the Uganda Premier League at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
Managing Vipers has proven to be one of the most challenging roles in Ugandan football, with the team’s owner, Lawrence Mulindwa, consistently seeking to elevate the club to elite status. The Vipers managerial position has seen a high turnover rate, and even success on the field does not guarantee job security, as exemplified by the short tenure of previous coach Alex Isabirye, who won the team a double last season but left shortly thereafter. The Vipers’ coaching position remains one of the most demanding in the country.
