David GOMBE
Double winning champions Vipers SC could lose over eight key players this transfer window due to expiration of their contracts.
Midfielder Abdul-Karim Watambala who was vital in Vipers’ double triumph is out of contract this month. Watambala joined Vipers from St Mary’s Secondary School Kitende the feeder of the senior team in 2019. In 2023, he renewed his stay at the club for a further two years.
He has spent six years at the club winning four league titles and three Uganda Cups. Reports indicate that Tanzania’s Simba SC are interested in his signature but the Venoms are also willing to extend his stay.
Other players out of contract at Vipers are goalkeeper Alfred Macumu Mudekereza, Denis Kiggundu, Mauritania forward Mohamed Salem Ekbad, Grant Mastiko, Richard Matovu and Patrick Mbowa.
Mudekereza joined the Venoms as a free agent in July 2022 on a three year deal.
He has won two league titles and two Uganda Cups at Kitende and is remembered for helping Vipers reach the CAF Champions league group stages for 2022/23 season after his heroics against TP Mazembe.
Mohamed Salem Ekbab, joined from Mauritania League 1 side, FC Nouadhibou in July 2023 on a two year deal becoming the first Mauritania native to feature in the Uganda Premier league. He is not expected to renew his stay at Vipers SC.
Mastiko and Matovu joined Vipers from Wakiso Giants and Arua Hill respectively both on two year deals in 2023. Mbowa also joined the club in 2023 as a free agent, he is also out of contract this window.
Vipers SC have already completed the signing of Kitara FC forward Jude Ssemugabi pending official confirmation and remain interested in negotiations with NEC FC’s midfielder Enock Ssebaggala.
