Atlabara Football Club has been crowned champions of the Juba Local Football Association’s 2021 South Sudan Cup after defeating Gudele Football Club 3-1.

The match was played Sunday evening at Buluk Training Center without spectators due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj after the match, Samuel Tartisio, the Secretary-General of Juba Local Football Association congratulated Atlabara FC for the victory and encouraged Gudele FC to try harder in the next tournament.

“Today (Sunday) we came to the end of South Sudan Cup, it went on well despite the Covid-19 restrictions and Atlabara FC has been crowned champions of the 2021 South Sudan Cup after beating Gudele 3-1. Congratulations to them and I would also say hard luck to Gudele FC, so football is always like that. They have to try harder next time,” Tartisio said.

The sports official emphasized the importance of sports in uniting South Sudanese despite their tribal differences.

For his part, the head coach for Atlabara FC, Mike Onamo, who was also the best coach of the tournament, applauded his players for the hard work.

“I feel so happy that am given this opportunity and I also appreciate the other coaches. In football, there is always a winner and a loser. Sports unite people and I see football is really developing in South Sudan despite the challenges of the Covid-19,” Mike said.  

Meanwhile, Lukas Indeche, the best goalkeeper of the tournament, welcomed the recognition, describing the sports as a unifying factor for the Sudanese people

“Everyone becomes happy when they win. I am very happy with our victory, sports always bring people together and bring peace too. It’s just more of education,” he added.

Atlabara FC went through to the final stage of the 2021 South Sudan Cup after a penalty shootout win against Malakia FC in the semifinals by 0 (4)- 0 (2) in the last week while Gudele  FC had knocked Buluk Imtidad FC 2-1 in the Semifinals.

Two weeks ago, the Juba Local Football Association confirmed the resumption of the 2021 South Sudan Cup after it was first suspended early this month due to the Covid-19 lockdown.

The Secretary-General for South Sudan Football Association had instructed all secretaries from the local Football Associations to resume sports activities while adhering to Covid-19 preventive measures.