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Sudan Tribune

Plural news and views on Sudan

Sudan Tribune

Plural news and views on Sudan

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Sudanese clubs in South Sudan for African football competition

August 22, 2024 (JUBA) –  Two  Sudanese soccer teams are in South Sudan for the African Champions League competition, symbolizing unity despite the raging war in the country.
The teams, carrying Sudanese flags while clad in soccer attires inscribing Sudanese emblems, landed at Juba International Airport on Thursday.
In Sudan, soccer teams are a collection of all faces, playing in the name and honor of the country. Football goes against the barriers of politics of identity and region and this was witnessed when several Sudanese officials and business communities, professional groups, individuals and friends showed up at the reception.

Mojahid Mohamed Ali, a member of the board of South Sudan Football Association (SSFA) in charge of  international games told the media on Thursday that the Sudanese teams will play against Libya in their second round of the preliminaries against Al-Nasir and Al-Ahly slated for August 24 and 25 August 2024 in the capital, Juba.

Al-Mariekh and Al-Hilal are the two main Sudanese football giants whose presence in Juba has drawn widespread preparation for a warm reception to be received upon arrival.

Before the split of Sudan into the state of South Sudan and Sudan, former players positioned themselves as fans ready to host and support the Sudanese team.

South Sudan’s Ministry of Youth and Sports has encouraged a huge turnout of the population to support the players, utilizing the opportunity to bolster its diplomatic image in the region and presenting as a signal of peace and stability. It also serves as a sign of growing admiration for sports.

The Leadership under President Salva Kiir presents sports as a symbol of unity, diplomacy, and building social harmony and cohesion while creating and establishing relationships with countries in the region and beyond.

Football authorities and organizers have arranged to put Al-Marriekh and Al-Hilal in some of the main, well-secured, highly guarded and protected hotels in South Sudan: The playground is also well arranged and protected.

(ST)

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