StarTimes Uganda Premier League (SUPL) champions Vipers SC have appointed highly experienced French tactician Denis Lavagne as the club’s new Head Coach on a two-year contract, reinforcing their ambition to sustain domestic dominance while making a lasting impact on the continental stage.
The 61-year-old succeeds Belgian Ivan Jacky Minnaert, who departed the club by mutual consent at the end of the 2025/26 season.
Lavagne arrives at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende with an impressive managerial résumé spanning almost three decades across Europe, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, having coached clubs and National teams at the highest level of African football.
A Winning Pedigree
The Frenchman established himself among Africa’s elite coaches during two successful spells with Cameroonian powerhouse Coton Sport, where he won four Elite One league titles, three Cameroon Cups and guided the club to the 2008 CAF Champions League final.
His achievements earned him appointment as Head Coach of the Cameroon National team before successful stints with Etoile du Sahel, Al Ittihad Alexandria, Smouha SC, MAS Fez, Free State Stars, Al-Hilal Omdurman, CS Constantine, JS Kabylie, USM Alger, Azam FC and clubs in Saudi Arabia.
Throughout his career, Lavagne has become renowned for building disciplined, competitive teams capable of challenging for silverware while consistently competing in CAF competitions.
Building Strong Technical Bench
Lavagne will not work alone.
The Frenchman will partner with John ‘Ayala’ Luyinda, who continues as First Team Assistant Coach, creating a blend of international experience and invaluable local knowledge.
Completing the technical bench is Belgian performance specialist Salmi Yassine, who joins the Venoms as Head of Performance & Fitness Coach, bringing modern sports science and elite conditioning expertise to the club.
Together, the trio will immediately begin preparations for the new campaign.
Clear Targets Ahead
Lavagne takes charge with a packed schedule and clearly defined objectives.
The Venoms have the little matter of defending their Uganda Premier League crown, challenging for the Stanbic Uganda Cup, CECAFA Kagame Cup and mount another ambitious campaign in the CAF Champions League, where the club continues its pursuit of continental success.
His appointment underlines Vipers SC’s determination to keep raising standards both on and off the pitch while assembling one of the strongest technical teams in East African football.
LAVAGNE AT A GLANCE
Name: Denis Lavagne
Age: 61
Contract: Two years
Assistant Coach: John ‘Ayala’ Luyinda
Head of Performance & Fitness: Salmi Yassine
CAF Champions League Finalist: 2008 (Coton Sport)
CAF Confederations Cup Runners up: 2021 (JS Kabilye)
National League Titles: Cameroon (4), Sudan (1)
National Team Managed: Cameroon
Countries Coached In: France, Cameroon, Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, Sudan, Algeria, Tanzania, Saudi Arabia, Qatar & China.