Uganda Premier League side Vipers SC have completed the signing of Congolese striker Cesar Lobi Manzoki on a two-year contract, marking the return of one of the club’s most celebrated players ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The 29-year-old rejoins the Venoms after spells across Africa and Asia, having played for AS Dauphins Noirs, AS Maniema Union, AS Vita Club, Dalian Pro in China, Hatta Club in the United Arab Emirates, Mohammedan Sporting Club in Bangladesh and most recently Eastern District FC in Hong Kong.
Manzoki enjoyed a memorable first stint at Kitende, where he established himself as one of the Uganda Premier League’s most prolific forwards. Across two seasons, he made 46 league appearances, scoring 26 goals and providing 13 assists while helping Vipers win both the Uganda Premier League and the Stanbic Uganda Cup.
His standout campaign came in the 2021/22 season when he scored 18 league goals to fire Vipers to the league title, finishing as the Golden Boot winner. That remarkable season also earned him six individual accolades, including Uganda Premier League Player of the Season, Players’ Player of the Season, Forward of the Season, Most Assists Award and a place in the league’s Best XI.
Before that, he had finished as the top scorer in the 2020/21 Uganda Cup with seven goals.
Speaking after completing his return, Manzoki described the move as an emotional homecoming.
”It’s amazing to be back to a place I call home,” he said.
”Rejoining Vipers SC is something I think someone is lucky enough to experience once in a lifetime, but for me it is happening twice. That makes it even more special because I enjoyed fantastic years here.
”I always believed this was the most special experience of my career. Coming back now, I can still feel the same passion, the same love and the same family atmosphere.
”I have a personal bond with the players, the supporters and everyone connected to the club. Some of my happiest memories in football were created here.
”Uganda, Kitende and Vipers will always have a special place in my heart. I’m excited to be back and I can’t wait to give everything for this badge once again.”
New Vipers head coach Denis Lavagne believes the striker’s return will provide both quality and leadership as the club prepares for a demanding campaign.
”Some players need time to understand what a club represents. Cesar already knows,” Lavagne said.
”He is returning home, and that is important because he understands our culture, our ambition and the expectations that come with wearing this shirt.
”We know what he has achieved here before, but football is always about the next challenge. We believe he still has the hunger to score goals, entertain supporters and help this team compete for trophies again.
”Our ambitions extend beyond Uganda. We want to be competitive in Africa as well, and experienced players like Cesar will be vital as we continue building a squad capable of achieving those goals.”
Manzoki becomes one of Vipers’ key additions ahead of the new season, joining Jacques Mangoba, Nicholas Mwere, Joel Sserunjogi and Loyce Mbaba as the club strengthens its squad for the Uganda Premier League, Stanbic Uganda Cup, CECAFA Kagame Cup and CAF Champions League campaigns.
Vipers re-sign Cesar Manzoki on two-year deal
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