Vipers SC have brought back Congolese striker Cesar Lobi Manzoki, securing his signature on a two-year contract for the 2026/27 season.

The 29-year-old forward returns to the Venoms after a productive first stint at Kitende, where he quickly became one of the Uganda Premier League’s most dangerous attackers.

During his earlier spell with Vipers, Manzoki made 46 league appearances, scoring 26 goals and registering 13 assists. He was instrumental in the club’s 2021/22 league title win, finishing as the top scorer with 18 goals.

That same season, he claimed multiple individual accolades, including Player of the Season, Players’ Player of the Season, Forward of the Season, Golden Boot, and Most Assists awards. He was also named in the league’s Best XI.

Manzoki was the top scorer in the 2020/21 Uganda Cup with seven goals, helping Vipers lift the trophy.

After leaving Vipers, he played for AS Vita Club, Dalian Pro in China, Hatta Club in the UAE, Mohammedan Sporting Club in Bangladesh, and most recently Eastern District FC in Hong Kong.

Expressing his joy at the return, Manzoki said: “It’s amazing to be back to a place I call home. I always believed this was the most special experience of my career. I’m excited to be back and I can’t wait to give everything for this badge once again.”

Vipers head coach Denis Lavagne welcomed the signing, highlighting the striker’s familiarity with the club and his competitive drive.
“Cesar already knows what this club represents. We believe he still has the hunger to score goals and help this team compete for trophies again,” Lavagne said.

Manzoki is the latest addition to Vipers’ squad ahead of the new season, joining Jacques Mangoba, Nicholas Mwere, Joel Sserunjogi, and goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba.

The reigning Uganda Premier League champions are gearing up for a packed schedule that includes domestic league and cup duties, the CECAFA Kagame Cup, and the CAF Champions League.