Omeo Boys, Owiny-Ki-Bul Girls crowned champions of inter-Payam cup
Omeo Payam Boys and Owiny-Ki-Bul Payam Girls have been crowned the winners of the Inter-Payam Football Tournament in Magwi County, Eastern Equatoria State (EES).
The annual Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) Inter-Payam Football Tournament was concluded in Magwi County on Sunday.
The two payams have officially crowned the champions of 2022 in Magwi County where the finals were played.
The Owiny-Ki-Bul Payam starlets sealed their cup through a penalty shoot-out where they beat Obbo Payam Girls 4-2 after failing to win the game in normal 90 minutes.
Meanwhile, Omeo Payam proved to be the best Payam in Magwi County after beating Lobone Boys 2-0, a result that their fans celebrated throughout.
The game between Omeo Payam and Lobone Boys was officiated by Malong Ring, one of South Sudan’s international referees.
The league, held under the theme “SPLM for All”, aimed at bringing the youth across Magwi County together to interact with one another.
Hundreds of people had travelled from Juba to Magwi to attend the match that was supposed to be concluded by the Silver X night show at California Restaurant. However, the show was cancelled due to heavy rain in Magwi on Sunday.
The match registered over 15,000 people who gathered to watch the spectacular games held at Magwi Freedom Square, including top government officials and South Sudan Football Association (SSFA) leaders.
In a statement on its Facebook page, the SSFA revealed that its Vice President, Charles Udwar, contributed about 36 balls to the 12 payams in Magwi County after gracing the closing ceremony.
“SSFA donated a sum of 36 soccer balls for the 12 payams of Magwi. Two pairs of nets, two corner flags, and two referees’ changing boards would be distributed to Magwi and Nimule. ”
In his speech, Udwar commended the people of Eastern Equatoria State for uniting the people through sports and cultural activities.
He said sports are the main factors that have the power to unite all people, regardless of tribes, cultural beliefs, or any other change.
Udwar urged the country’s leadership to prioritise and invest more in sports, specifically allocating land for sports activities.
“Football is a bridge. It brings peace and unity to the country. “
He praised the role sports have played in restoring peace and unity in various parts of the country.
Meanwhile, Eastern Equatoria officials, led by Governor Louis Lobong Lojore, and his deputy, Mary Alphonse, commended the good working relationship among political parties in the state.
The two promised to improve football infrastructure in the counties in order to attract more young people into the sports sector.
