Vipers Sports Club are delighted to confirm the return of experienced right-back Ashraf Mandela, who has penned a three-year contract with the Venoms.
This marks Mandela’s third spell at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende – a place he first called home as a budding talent during his school days at St Mary’s Secondary School, Kitende up until 2015.
Since leaving the club as a youngster, Mandela has grown into one of the country’s most reliable defenders. He featured for SC Villa in the 2018/19 season before enjoying a solid three-year stint at URA FC.
The 21-year-old returned to Vipers for his second spell between 2022 and 2024, where he played a key role in the club’s success, helping the Venoms secure two Uganda Premier League (UPL) titles, qualify for the group stages of the CAF Champions League and lifting the Uganda Cup.
Mandela’s most recent adventure took him beyond Uganda, turning out for Rwanda Police FC in the Rwanda Premier League (RPL) during the 2024/25 campaign.
His experience both at home and abroad will be vital as Vipers aim for glory on all fronts in the coming season.The versatile full-back will compete for a place in the starting lineup alongside Grant Matsiko and Nicholas Wakiro Wadada, giving head coach Ivan Minneart more depth and flexibility in the defensive department.
Mandela becomes the latest addition to the Vipers squad, following the arrivals of Robin Kane Hney, Mark Yallah, Taddeo Lwanga, Odili Chukwuma, Kevin Dasylva Bady, and Enock Ssebaggala.
“It feels great to be back home again. Vipers has always been special to me, and I am ready to give my best for the team and the fans,” Mandela said after signing.
With the backing of the club hierarchy and supporters, Mandela will be hoping this third time proves lucky as he sets out to establish himself as a mainstay in the Venoms’ backline.
Quick Player Profile
Full Name: Ashraf Mandela
Date of Birth: December 20, 2002
Height: 1.78m
Weight: 72kg
Position: Right-back / Defender
Nationality: Ugandan
Strong Foot: Right