Away from the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) spotlight, Vipers SC are quietly sharpening their blades ahead of the new season.
On Tuesday evening at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, the Venoms began their pre-season friendlies with an emphatic 3-1 victory over Rwandan Premier League side Gorilla FC, a result that underlined their hunger to dominate locally and make bigger strides on the continental stage.
From the onset, the Venoms played with intent—pressing high, moving the ball with purpose, and carving out openings that thrilled the home fans.
Their ambition was rewarded midway through the first half when skipper Milton Karisa rose highest to nod home from a clever Derrick Ndahiro free-kick routine, handing Vipers a deserved lead.
Young gun shines
After the restart, the cushion was doubled in style as youngster Abubakali Walusimbi curled a corner directly into the net, a moment of individual brilliance that highlighted the depth and flair within the squad.
The visitors briefly threatened a comeback through Mandja Moise, who pulled one back, but Vipers responded almost instantly. Substitute Gusto Mulongo, fresh off the bench, finished off a sweeping team move orchestrated by Pedro Sukuya, sealing the win and capping off a strong all-round display.
The two sides will meet again on Thursday at Kitende to complete the pre-season double-header, offering the Venoms another opportunity to fine-tune combinations and build momentum ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
With new signings settling in and the squad already showing bite, Vipers’ early statement is clear: they are ready to set the pace once more.
Vipers will start their campaign against African Stars FC of Namibia in the first preliminary round, with the first leg away between 19–21 September 2025, before hosting the decisive return leg at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende between 26–28 September.
The aggregate winner will then face either Power Dynamos FC of Zambia or ASEC Mimosas FC of Côte d’Ivoire in the second preliminary round.
In that round, Vipers would host the first leg between 17–19 October, before traveling away for the return leg between 24–26 October.
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