Holy family team defeated Salaam team in Rumbek Governor Cup tournament

November 22, 2011 (RUMBEK) – The Lakes state Governor’s Cup football tournament continued on Wednesday as MPs and local officials witnessed the Salam team lose to the Holy Family team.

The Holy Family team won 1-0 at the game played in Rumbek’s Freedom square.

Salaam team coach Deng Makuet Deng, accepted the defeat and urged his team to have the spirit of sport in their heart. He called upon the Rumbek public to encourage sport in Lakes state as part of a campaign for peace and discouraged the violence that accompanies cattle raiding and retributive attacks between rival groups.

Sport is seen by many as a way to encourage unity and patriotism is South Sudan, where tribal identity is very strong. In July South Sudan became independent.

Deng said that the football field was a place to come together.

Emmanuel Muornguac, the coach of the wining team, Holy Family, said that his young players were confident they could defeat any of the other 16 teams. Muornguac said he was proud to coach the players.

The tournament kicked off on 16 November and will end on 27 December.

(ST)