Midfielder Marvin Joseph Youngman has made a highly anticipated return to Vipers Sports Club, the six-time StarTimes Uganda Premier League (SUPL) champions, signing a two-year contract that will keep him at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, until January 2027.
The 26-year-old, who has rejoined from Soltilo Bright Stars FC, is no stranger to success at Vipers, having played a key role in their impressive 2022/2023 double-winning season, which saw them clinch both the Uganda Premier League and the Uganda Cup.
In an exclusive interview, Youngman opened up about his decision to return to Vipers and why it was the right move for him at this stage of his career.
For Youngman, returning to Vipers feels like coming home. He first joined the club from Soltilo Bright Stars, and now, after two seasons at his former side, he is back where he enjoyed some of his most successful years.
He was instrumental in Vipers’ history-making run to the CAF Champions League group stages, and his return signifies a renewed ambition to achieve even greater heights.
“My two years at Vipers Sports Club were a time of pure contentment for me, both on and off the pitch,” Youngman reflected.
“I grew as a person and a player, developed a special relationship with the Vipers fans and enjoyed amazing success. It was an exceptional period in my life. To have the opportunity to return here means so much.”
But despite the nostalgia and fond memories, Youngman was quick to clarify that his focus is firmly on the future.
“I don’t want it to sound too nostalgic, because it’s still about competing. It’s still about having that drive. It’s still about trying to be the best version of yourself, and that’s all an ambition that I still have, incredibly in myself.”
Youngman’s earlier career saw him make a name for himself in Uganda’s football scene, playing for teams like Bulemeezi Ssaza, Busujju Ssaza, and Hima FC.
His move to Vipers, however, marked a major turning point, as he became a key figure in the club’s success.
Now, with competition fierce in the midfield ranks at Vipers, including established talents like Patrick Paul Mbowa, Karim Watambala, Moses Waiswa, Abubakar Lawal, and Abubakali Walusimbi, Youngman knows he has to continually prove himself.
“I still want to prove myself every day in training sessions and games and still become the best possible version of myself,” he admitted.
“I still have an incredible sense for winning, for competing, and I think the package that you get here, right now today, you can’t find it anywhere else, and that made it very, very easy to come back.”
His statement shows the mentality of a true winner, one who doesn’t rest on past laurels but continues to strive for excellence.
The desire to stay hungry for success will serve as an inspiration to his teammates, especially as Vipers aim for more silverware this season.
Youngman’s return is not just a reinforcement for the squad but also an indication of Vipers’ ambition.
As the club eyes more trophies, particularly in the domestic league and continental competitions, Youngman will play a vital role in the midfield, providing experience, versatility, and an unwavering competitive spirit.
The arrival of Youngman also marks Vipers’ first major acquisition of the January 2025 transfer window, signaling their commitment to strengthening the squad as they look to build on their already impressive legacy.
With his proven track record, the versatile midfielder is expected to make an immediate impact.
Whether it’s his ability to dictate the tempo of the game, break up opposition attacks, or contribute offensively, Youngman’s skill set offers Vipers a major advantage in the midfield set by both coaches John Luyinda and Fred Muhumuza.
