Uganda Premier League champions Vipers SC have signed Gabon international goalkeeper Loyce Marius Mbaba on a two-year contract ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The 28-year-old shot-stopper joins the Venoms as the club bolsters its squad for a demanding campaign featuring the CAF Champions League, Uganda Premier League, Stanbic Uganda Cup, and CECAFA Kagame Cup.

Mbaba brings valuable experience from clubs in Gabon and Ivory Coast, where he has played for Association Sportive Mangasport, Stella Club d’Adjamé, and Bouaké FC.

Internationally, the goalkeeper has earned 14 caps for Gabon and featured in three matches during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Expressing his delight after finalizing the transfer, Mbaba said: “I’m really, really happy to be here, really excited and looking forward to what is coming. The ambition shown by this club to get me here is something I can’t take for granted. I am excited for what lies ahead and can promise that I will give absolutely everything to try and help the club achieve even more success.”

Mbaba arrives following the exits of Alfred Mudekereza and Bashir Ssekagya as Vipers rebuild their goalkeeping unit after clinching the 2025/26 league title.

He will battle for the number one position alongside Denis Kiggundu and Jack Komakech.

The Gabonese keeper becomes Vipers’ fourth signing of the transfer window, following Jacques Mangoba, Nicholas Mwere, and Joel Sserunjogi.

He has been assigned the number one shirt and is set to link up with his new teammates in training right away.