Interestingly, the striker is part of the Vipers SC team that travelled for a friendly match with Tanzania champions Yanga SC, the archrivals of Simba SC.
Vipers Sports Club will be without their star striker, Cesar Lobi Manzoki, in the new season, reliable reports have confirmed.
Cesar Manzoki wanted by top clubs in the region with Tanzania's Simba FC leading the race for his signature
Reports from Tanzania allege that Manzoki signed a three-year contract with Simba SC despite the fact that his contract with his employers runs till October. The Tanzania giants reportedly bought off the contract with the player who is said to have rejected pleas from Vipers management and fans to renew his contract.
Manzoki has in the past few months been posting cryptic messages on social media announcing his intention to exit Vipers SC.
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And, the posts have only gotten louder.
In his two latest posts, he says; “I feel like at home thanks for welcome me Simba's fans”.
The transfer, reportedly done without the blessing of Vipers SC is said to have been the motive of the club chairman’s address ahead of the new season. Lawrence Mulindwa strongly warned the players against listening to clubs talking to them behind the club’s back.
“Clubs are very much aware…if a club comes to talk to player who is contracted, it’s not allowed. If that is brought to attention of FIFA, that club will be suspended and fined very heavily. That is how football is being protected”, he said.
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He urged the clubs to have the guts to approach the club management and enter into formal discussions.
“People want to do whatever they want yet clubs are protected by CAF and FIFA. You cannot just come and start talking to my players the way you want. When you have interest, express interest through the club and we start negotiations then later involve the player.”
Manzoki netted a total of 18 goals in the Uganda Premier League last season. He guided the team to the UPL title and came close to a domestic double only to be denied by BUL FC in the Uganda Cup finals.
On an individual level, Manzoki swept the UPL 2021/22 season awards taking home a total of 5 awards. He was also voted the MVP.
