By Charles K Mark
President Salva Kiir Mayardit has pledged to invest in sports to foster peace and national unity within the country.
Kiir’s commitment was expressed during the inauguration of the country’s first modern sports facility, the Juba National Stadium, on Tuesday.
Kiir emphasized that the celebration of sports marks an important milestone in the country’s history, signaling dedication to achieving justice and prosperity.
“This is your stadium. Use it to develop your talent so that you continue to excel and raise our flag high in the world,” Kiir urged the citizens during the inauguration ceremony.
The event also witnessed another milestone, as South Sudan hosted Sudan in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
“Today also marks an important moment in our relations with the Republic of Sudan,” the president noted, expressing his government’s commitment to consolidating peace and national unity through sports.
Kiir mentioned previous efforts to support sports, particularly football and basketball, which have led to South Sudan’s national basketball team emerging as a top African team in the world rankings.
“Because of our people’s talents and love for sports, my government has sponsored football and also basketball, marking South Sudan top African team in the basketball world ranking,” Kiir recalled.
“It is my government’s policy to continue investing in sports and I invite the private sector to join us in this struggle.”
The match between the South Sudan national football team, the Bright Stars and Sudan ended in a 3-0 victory for Sudan.