Amongping Payam FC emerged the triumphant champions in a thrilling showdown during the Inter-Payam Peace Tournament, securing their victory after a nail-biting penalty shootout against Dr. Nyot FC of Malek Payam.
With a final score of 3 to 2 in favor of Amongping Payam FC, the team showcased remarkable resilience and skill in a match that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
The tournament, organized to promote unity and camaraderie among the five participating Payams – Mayom, Matangai, Amongping, Malek, and Jiir – was held in Rumbek Central County. The teams vied for the coveted opportunity to represent the county in the upcoming State Tournament, making it a highly anticipated event.
In an enthusiastic atmosphere at Freedom Square, Commissioner Dut Manak praised the organizing committee for orchestrating a successful and harmonious tournament.
“Today we were in Freedom Square for the final match… the youth have really shown their football skills. No one attempted to fight anyone and this is a spirit of peace and sports that brings people together,” he said.
Commending the collaborative efforts of the county’s leadership, Commissioner Manak expressed gratitude for the support from various partners and acknowledged the positive impact of youth engagement. He also highlighted the stability brought to the region by the governor, emphasizing its contribution to the tournament’s success.
The Lakes State Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports, William Koji Kirjok, underlined the importance of nurturing youth initiatives and the responsibility of leaders to guide and support young talent. He shared his satisfaction with the tournament’s progress, noting that the inter-payam competition would continue annually, offering a platform for different teams to strive for victory.
“The inter-payam tournament is always under the care of the commissioner and payam administrators,” he said.
He congratulated Among-piny Payam FC for their victory and encouraged them to gear up for the inter-county (State) competitions.
Among-piny Payam FC’s victory was celebrated by both fans and officials, with Kirjok congratulating the team for their exceptional performance. He encouraged them to prepare diligently for the upcoming inter-county competitions, where they would face champions from the other seven counties of Lakes State.
Moses Thon Mading, the chairperson of the inter-Payam peace tournament, highlighted the absence of difficulties or conflicts throughout the tournament. He emphasized the positive interactions and camaraderie among payams, demonstrating the unifying power of sports.
Despite conceding defeat, Maliet Matiok, head coach of Dr. Nyot FC of Malek Payam, commended the final match as “a very nice game and very interesting game,” expressing appreciation for the sportsmanship displayed by the teams.
John Kuol Mabor, head coach of Among-piny Payam FC, extended gratitude to the organizing committee and emphasized the role of sports in fostering peace and unity.
“As a head coach of Among-piny Payam FC, I am happy as we won the trophy today and have been crowned as champions of the inter-Payam Peace Tournament for Rumbek Central County,” he proudly stated.
The Inter-Payam Peace Tournament not only showcased the prowess of these talented athletes but also highlighted the potential of sports to bring diverse communities together in a spirit of harmony and friendly competition.