Onduparaka FC Forms Interim Committee After Fan Vandalism Incident, Resumes Training Ahead of Gaddafi FC Clash

Arua – In the wake of unrest among supporters and a string of poor performances, Onduparaka FC has taken decisive steps to stabilize the club, following vandalism by irate fans after their 1-0 defeat to Ntungusaze FC at the Ababet Greenlight Stadium on Sunday.

Mercy Munduru, the club’s Managing Director, confirmed that the Chairperson, Benjamin Nyakuni, had suspended all club activities in response to the fan chaos. She described his frustration as justified, noting that club property was vandalized during the incident.

“I can confirm that the founding director did suspend all activities of the club following the events that transpired on Sunday,” Munduru said in an exclusive interview with SportsNation. 

“A process was instituted to understand the core issues affecting the performance and the vandalism"

In a move aimed at restoring order and improving performance, the club has since held a series of high-level meetings and formed a standing interim committee. 

This committee will oversee key affairs of the club and work closely with management and directors over the next ten games.

“Following a series of meetings, we have instituted a standing committee that will manage various affairs of the club,” Munduru revealed. “They will collaborate closely with the internal management and directors.”Despite the turbulence, Onduparaka FC has resumed training and is preparing for their crucial upcoming fixture against Gaddafi FC on Sunday.“A meeting was held with the team, and training has thus resumed,” she added.

Munduru strongly condemned the hooliganism, revealing that investigations have already identified those responsible. 

“This behavior was disappointing, and we condemn it in the strongest terms possible. We have investigated, identified the culprits, and met with the fans’ leadership. Appropriate action will be taken and communicated.”Currently, the Caterpillars are enduring a rough patch, having lost five consecutive games and sliding dangerously close to the relegation zone in the FUFA Big League.

 The club, once seen as a potential contender for promotion, now sits just one point above the drop.“It has been a disappointing run, and it’s not something to boast about, considering where we were at the close of the first round,” Munduru admitted.She believes the team’s primary hurdle lies in attitude and focus. “I think the biggest challenge we have now is the attitude and focus of the core team. I believe if this is addressed, things will turn around for the best.”The club is also facing financial woes, struggling to pay players’ wages. Munduru lamented the lack of support from FUFA, highlighting that the federation no longer facilitates Big League clubs.

“As management, we have done our very best. We have also engaged the community about our shortfalls, and I am glad they have picked this up and are leading crowdfunding for the team,” she said.She emphasized the urgent need for support from all stakeholders, adding,

 “Running an upcountry team is a very expensive venture, and we expect that those laboring to run clubs are respected and supported.

”Adding to the club’s challenges, the Head of Communications and Marketing, Mr. Drabe Godfrey, resigned two days ago.

 Munduru assured fans that she will explore new opportunities and engagement strategies to attract funding.

There had been speculation that title sponsor Ababet had withdrawn their support, but Munduru dismissed the rumors.

 “Ababet is our sponsor, and they still support the club 100%, except the costs are so enormous that their grant can only cover 40% of the club expenses.”

As a former Marketing Manager, Munduru was instrumental in securing major sponsorships with Betway and MTN. 

However, she admitted that the current environment for attracting sports sponsors is dire, especially due to the Big League’s lack of television exposure.

“The Big League is barely televised, not facilitated, and the economic environment generally is harsh,” she said. “We need to play our role in making the environment more attractive, but we also need more investment in the sport from all stakeholders—Government, FUFA, and the Private Sector.”Onduparaka FC will now look to the interim committee and community support to help steer the club away from the danger zone and back to winning ways. All eyes will be on their performance this Sunday as they face Gaddafi FC in a critical fixture.