The president of the South Sudan Football Association has urged sports fans to embrace the spirit of love and unity, citing the need to support local clubs in the country.
On Tuesday, Sherikat-based Arsenal fans organized an end-of-season get-together party as well as a day to celebrate the country’s Independence Day.
The social event, under the theme: “Embracing Peace and Sociality through sports”, brought together diverse football fans in South Sudan.
Gen. Augustino Maduot Parek said during the event that sports should serve as a unifying force that fosters peace.
“As we are celebrating our own independence, I believe any human being is living because of happiness. This is what football gives to us. So, let us treat diversity as a strength, not something to divide us,” Maduot explained.
As the South Sudan men's basketball team prepares for the 2024 Paris Olympics, Maduot encourages the social gathering to support the team in their international games.
“When your club is playing outside, you are supposed to also be a supporter. So, it's very important because it creates a vibrant player with standing energy to win the game,” he emphasized.
Maduot also asked the football fans to develop patriotism for their country.
“Try to remember, this country is a country of heroes, and to keep your country is to embrace unity. Let us love ourselves,” he stressed.
For his part, the chairman of Arsenal Fans -Shirikat base, Atem Pap, stated that being a football fan creates a sense of togetherness.
“Our love for Arsenal goes beyond just supporting a football team, but embodies the values of peace, love, harmony, simplicity and sociality among members from within Arsenal fans to all other football fans in South Sudan,” Pap told the social gathering.
The chairman further said, “We have been supporting our members who have been sick. We have also been supporting our members who have been having challenges at the university.”