This week the national Under-20 team regrouped ahead of the Cosafa U-20 tournament due in Zambia. Many of the players summoned by coach Mathias Lule were part of his Under-17 side that fell at the final hurdle in their bid to qualify for the continental championship in 2015. Among the players who were part of that Under-17 team back in 2014 was a young Ezra Bida.
The striker was this time not summoned after initially struggling for playing time following his move from Koboko Rising Stars to Onduparaka. On Wednesday however, he reminded all and sundry about his ability with his first goal as Onduparaka ended their first round home games on a winning note with a 2-1 result against UPDF. Many of the club faithful have been calling for more playing time for the player who was starting only his third game for the side.
Coach Livingstone Mbabazi has however called for caution for the player many believe possesses similar traits to former cult hero Muhammad Shaban. ‘‘We should not put him on pressure to deliver big. He is still very young, don't compare him to anyone I beg, let him do his job minus pressure and excitement. He is Bida not anyone else in Europe or Uganda,'' Mbabazi cautioned. Shaban left the club at the start of the season but played a vital role in luring his friend to the Betway Greenlight Stadium.
Strike partner Karim Ndugwa added the second as Onduparaka came from behind to record victory. The result means the Caterpillars will extend their perfect home record at the Betway Greenlight stadium into the second round with the remaining first round games against URA and Masavu all set to be played away from home. Onduparaka are currently fourth on the 15-team log but within a point of second placed champions KCCA and eight behind leaders SC Villa.