By Matia Samuel Timatio
South Sudan Football Association over the weekend launched a fundraising campaign at Freedom Hall for the Bright Stars being the Country’s National Team.
The major aim for the fundraising event was meant to support the team as they prepare for the upcoming 2023 African Cup of Nation’s qualifiers (AFCON).
Speaking during the event, the National Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Albino Bol welcomed the program and urged people to support the team willingly.
“Bright stars’ team is for this nation and it’s the responsibility of the government to support it but because of the war that happened in 2013 the government could not be able to take full responsibility. If you must know, sports is the only thing which can bring people together specially the young people. People need to support their own team because you find that there people who changes cars every day, why can’t you sell one of them and support the Bright Stars” he said.
The minister however appreciated the effort of Eritrean Business Community in Juba for their huge support for the Bright Stars and called on the rest of other Businesses and operating companies to support with whatever little they have to aid the national team.
“South Sudanese have the potential and ability to do great in sports but what they lack only is the love for one another and love for our nation. This is the country which will make us proud because it will be meaningless for the two and half million lives lost only to be based on tribal lines” he urged.
On his part, Mr. Augustino Maduot the president for South Sudan Football Association said that his office was working hard to reform football in South Sudan at all levels.
At the same note Augustino appreciated the efforts invested by the foreign telecommunication companies towards helping the football in the country and urged the citizens to harmonize true love to support the national team (Bright Stars).
“The national Team the Bright Stars represent the country when it travels outside South Sudan therefore we must support it with all what we have because when it wins all of us will celebrate. We also understand the difficulties our government goes through and the priorities but also football contribute in national building, Peace and National unity” Augustino stated.
However he acknowledged all those who have contributed and those who will continue contributing for supporting the national team.
The Bright Stars qualified for the group stages after eliminating Djibouti in the preliminary round of AFCON 2023 Qualifiers IN April. They won 5-2 on aggregate after beating their opponents 4-2 in the first leg in Cairo and a 1-0 win in the return leg in Uganda.