A month after concluding the 2023/24 season, six-time Uganda Premier League champions Vipers Sports Club have confirmed the appointment of Serbian coach Nikola Kavazovic as their new head coach. The 48-year-old Serbian has signed a two-year contract, set to run until at least 2026.
Kavazovic joins Vipers SC with the significant challenge of restoring the club to its former glory. The Venoms had a disappointing season, finishing third in the Uganda Premier League and exiting the Stanbic Uganda Cup at the quarterfinal stage without securing any silverware.
“I’m happy to be in Uganda and at a big club like Vipers. I thank the club president (Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa) for the trust he has given me,” Kavazovic said in his initial remarks.
A Wealth of Experience
Nikola Kavazovic brings with him a wealth of managerial experience, having coached over ten teams, including two national teams. His career includes stints as the head coach of the Tajikistan National football team (2012–2013) and Sri Lanka’s National senior team (2014–2015). During his tenure in Tajikistan, he led FC Istiklol to a league championship and won the AFC Presidents Cup in 2012.
In Europe, Kavazovic has held managerial positions in his home country, Serbia, with clubs such as FK BASK, OFK Zarkovo, Borak Banja Luka, and Resniki. His coaching journey also took him to the Maldives with New Radiant FC and to Bangladesh with Saif SC.
African Adventures
Kavazovic is no stranger to African football, having previously managed Kenya’s AFC Leopards, Botswana’s Township Rollers, South Africa’s Free State Stars, and most recently, Ethiopian Coffee. His African experience will be invaluable as he navigates the competitive landscape of the Uganda Premier League.
Professional Qualifications
Kavazovic holds a UEFA A license and is currently enrolled in the UEFA “PRO” license program with the Football Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Notably, he became the youngest national team head coach in the world at the age of 36 when he was appointed as Tajikistan’s head coach in July 2012.
Nikola Kavazovic Fact File
- Full Name: Nikola Kavazovic
- Date of Birth: 29 July 1975
- Place of Birth: Belgrade, Serbia
Clubs Managed:
- Aug 2023 – June 2024: Ethiopian Coffee
- Dec 2022 – Aug 2023: Soua Flamingoes
- July 2020 – July 2022: Township Rollers
- Sept 2019 – July 2020: Jwaneng Galaxy
- Dec 2018 – July 2019: Free State Stars
- July 2017 – Nov 2018: Township Rollers
- Sept 2016 – April 2017: Saif SC (Bangladesh)
- June 2014 – June 2015: Sri Lanka (National team)
- Jan 2012 – June 2013: FC Istiklol Dushanbe
- April 2008 – Sept 2012: FC Borac (Serbia)
With his extensive background and proven track record, Vipers SC fans will be hopeful that Kavazovic can lead the team back to the pinnacle of Ugandan football. The new season will undoubtedly be a test of his expertise and ability to bring out the best in the Venoms.
