KITENDE – After years of pubic admiration for the player, Vipers SC have finally signed Muhammad Shaban.
The Venoms have for long wanted to have the former Onduparaka captain in their ranks but have consistently missed out on securing him.
However, on Wednesday, the club announced via their official website that Shaban had finally joined them.
“Vipers Sports Club is delighted to confirm the signing of Muhammad Shaban after being released by Moroccan Premier League side Raja Club Athletic Casablanca. Read part of the statement.
Shaban joins Vipers SC as a free agent following the expiration of his contract at Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca.
The ‘hot head’ mutually agreed to end his contract with Raja last month, sighting a hostile enviroment in the Morocco capital.
He spent only one season at Raja, featuring in a handful of games mostly in cup competitions.
In the league, Shaban featured in just 7 games, scoring a single goal for the senior side.
After signing for Vipers, Shaban expressed his delight to be joining the club.
“I am thrilled to be joining Vipers SC. Noted Shaban.
“I’m looking forward to playing in the Uganda Premier League again.
“I’m keen to get started and make my contribution to the team’s efforts to win more trophies.”
Before joining Raja, Shaban was at KCCA FC where he scored 13 goals as the Kasasiros finished second in the 2017/18 season.
The move to Mike Mutebi’s side had come a year prior, moving controversially from boyhood club Onduparaka FC.
Shaban is a major cope for the Venoms and current head coach Edward Golola could not hide his admiration for the 21-year-old.
“Shaban is a very talented and good player. Said Golola.
“Our season last year showed us that we need options and quality to add depth to the squad upfront and Shaban is a proven marksman.
“I’m delighted that he accepted to join us.”
After signing for Vipers, Shaban becomes the 5th high profile capture this offseason after the arrival of Paul Willa, Siraje Ssentamu, Rashid Toha and Allan Kayiwa.
It comes as no surprise as to why Vipers have gone all out in the market as they finished empty handed last season.
Vipers had an average season, last, and going into the market with a bang is one of the moves they are taking as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of the upcoming 2019/20 season.
The Venoms came into last season as the defending league champions and finalist in the Uganda Cup but could not replicate such form.
Representing Uganda in the CAF Champions league, the Venoms were eliminated at the second round of qualification and hence dropped to the Confederation Cup. While there, they also failed to make it to the Group stages as they fell immediately.
In the League, they came second to KCCA FC while a humiliating exit to then-Big League side, Proline FC, ended their Uganda Cup campaign at the quarter-final stage.
This season has already kicked-off for the Venoms as they defeated Proline FC 1-0 in the Pilsner Super 8 last week.
The result means the Golola’s side march onto the semi finals of the competition where Shaban may make his debut.