Its rise to one of the top flight teams over the years has not only opened up the region to the sports world but also enhanced the rise of dozens of young boys from West Nile to football prominence in Uganda and Africa. To many fans and the general public, Onduparaka FC is God sent.
Onduparaka, which started as a
village team in Arua has marked 10 years of its existence and consistency in the
Uganda Premier League.
Its rise to one of the top-flight
teams over the years has not only opened up the region to the sports world but
also enhanced the rise of dozens of young boys from West Nile to football
prominence in Uganda and Africa. To many fans and the general public, Onduparaka FC
is God sent.
Yusuf Andabati, one of the
managers of Haraka FC in Yumbe district from where Onduparaka FC has picked 10
first squad players since its inception says that Onduparaka’s unique playing-style which made it defeat most of the local clubs in the region has not only
inspired many youths, but also given back in kind to various categories of
needy communities in Yumbe.
He says that the teams rise to
prominence rides more on players from Yumbe district, a development that will
forever make them proud.
//Cue in; If you look at…
Cue out; with onduparaka."//
In Koboko district and the
Municipality the fan base of Onduparaka and its impact on the Kakwa people
cannot be underestimated according to one of the first fans in the area. According
to him, the Club has made a tremendous achievement of keeping many youths out
of idle life as they are engaged in sporting activities with Onduparaka FC.
//Cue in; This is a club that…
Cue out; lack of a sponsor."//
Koboko district has so far sent
two players to Onduparaka FC Ezra Bida and Geriga Atendele.
Omar Risasi, commonly known in
West Nile as Muzee Onduparaka from Maracha district, has been part of each and
every match the team played, over the last 10 years. The 70-year old says he
has devoted his life to support the team as an inspiration to generations to
come.
//Cue in; What has made me…
Cue out; to the lugbara."//
In greater Nebbi district and
among the Alur people, Onduparaka has continued to inspire and enjoy unlimited
support from the fans and sports lovers and more importantly contributing to
the rise of Paidha Black Angels, which has lately suffered relegation from the Premier
League.
Onduparaka’s home ground
Greenlight Stadium was home to Paidha Black Angels for two seasons prior to
Paidha’s elevation to the league.
Innocent Opargiue, the
chairperson of Onduparaka Fans in greater Nebbi says the love for Onduparaka
has been deep-rooted in the Alur people basing on the club’s triumphant record
over the years. He says apart from inspiring many youth and football lovers in
Alur land, many businessmen and women have become agents and dealers in
Onduparaka Jersey’s which has enjoyed record sales in the greater Nebbi.
//Cue in; I really learnt…
Cue out; despise small beginnings."//
As the club prepares to celebrate
its ten years in the UPL, it has been challenged by the departure of its key
players. It, however, hopes that some of its problems will be resolved when they
eventually establish a football academy for the U17 team and find a sponsor.
According to Benjamin Nyakuni the
CEO Onduparaka FC, there is need for all the people of West Nile to forget
their differences and unite to make the club achieve more in the years ahead
and promote football talent in West Nile.
Candia Stephen
Freelancer