Vipers Bolster Defence with DR Congo’s Jacques Mangoba Ahead of CAF Campaign
StarTimes Uganda Premier League champions Vipers SC have made another statement signing, confirming the arrival of DR Congo right-back Jacques Mangoba on a two-year deal.
The 25-year-old joins the Venoms as the club sharpens its squad for a packed 2026/27 season that includes domestic defence of the UPL and Uganda Cup, the CECAFA Kagame Cup, and a return to the CAF Champions League.
Mangoba arrives with a strong continental CV. He has featured for DR Congo giants AS Vita Club and AS Simba, and most recently gained experience in Angola with Sagrada Esperança. At 1.86 metres, he combines physical presence with pace and tactical discipline, and is described as an attack-minded full-back who can defend and support down the flank.
That profile gives Head Coach Denis Lavagne more depth and flexibility at right-back, where Mangoba will compete with Ashraf Mandela for a starting role. The signing follows the earlier arrival of Uganda Cranes midfielder Joel Sserunjogi, underlining Vipers’ intent to build a squad with proven quality for every competition.
The Congolese defender says he is ready for the challenge. “Joining Vipers SC is an exciting opportunity for me. I have followed the club’s progress and ambitions, and I’m proud to become part of this family,” Mangoba said.
Coach Lavagne was equally direct: “Jacques is a defender with the physical attributes, experience and mentality we were looking for. He understands the demands of African football and will strengthen our options in an important position.” With CAF Champions League football starting in September and the domestic campaign to juggle, Vipers are clearly assembling a group built for multiple fronts.