Uganda Premier League champions, Vipers SC, have been ranked as the best football club in Uganda by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), following the latest rankings released by Africa’s football governing body.
Positioned 49th on the continent, Vipers have emerged as Uganda’s top club, outshining their domestic rivals.
CAF’s updated rankings come in the wake of the recently concluded preliminary rounds of the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup. Despite Vipers’ absence from the 2023/24 continental tournaments, their past performances, particularly their historic qualification for the CAF Champions League group stages during the 2022/23 season, cemented their spot as Uganda’s highest-ranked club.
Vipers’ rise in African football is a testament to the club’s growth and consistent dominance on the Ugandan football scene. The Kitende-based club has won multiple domestic titles and has become a formidable force, regularly competing in continental competitions.
Club chairman Dr Lawrence Mulindwa expressed pride in the ranking, saying, “This recognition reflects the hard work and commitment of everyone at the club, from players to management. We are not just aiming to be the best in Uganda but to compete with the elite clubs in Africa.”
Uganda’s national football scene has also received a boost with Ugandan players excelling in other African leagues. Uganda Cranes striker Steven Mukwala’s Tanzanian club Simba SC was ranked 7th in Africa, while national team captain Khalid Aucho’s Young Africans ranked 13th.
As Vipers prepare for the upcoming Uganda Premier League season, the CAF ranking offers encouragement to continue improving both on and off the pitch. The Venoms are targeting more domestic glory and a stronger showing in future CAF competitions to push their ranking even higher.
Mulindwa added, “This is a motivation to strive for even better performances in CAF tournaments. Our goal is to make it to the top 20 clubs in Africa and, ultimately, to bring continental glory to Uganda.”
With these rankings, Vipers SC solidifies its position as the flagbearer of Ugandan football on the African stage, as the club and its fans look forward to future successes.