By Peter Lokale Nakimangole
YEI, 25 July 2012 [Gurtong] – Recently the national team played Uganda Cranes in Juba during the first anniversary celebrations in a match that ended in a two-all draw.
Another South Sudanese club, Wau Salaam, represented the country in Dar es Salaam for the regional Council for East and Central African Football Associations (CECAFA),Kagame Cup.
Sports have the ability to switch the concentration of youth and the communities from the fighting and warfare by bringing them together for sporting activities.
A South Sudanese citizen Brandon Yatta said the teams need support to grow.
“The Republic of South Sudan leadership must enhance support if we want to be at par with many African teams.We need professional coaches for all the sports in the country”, said Yatta.
He added that the Wau Salaam team should not be discouraged by the poor results registered in the CECAFA tournament,
Wau Salaam exited the CECAFA Cup tournament after three straight defeats. They lost to APR of Rwanda 7-0 on 14 July 2012 and in the second match they lost 7-1 against Yanga Club of Tanzania.
Wau went down 5-0 to Athletico of Burundi, conceding a total of 19 goals in three matches. This was Wau Salaam’s first international competition.
Despite the defeat, Wau Salaam's assistant coach Mel Yok Kuol was happy with the performance.
“It was a new country and new field for them but they managed to do well and will improve in the coming matches”, said Kuol.
APR's Dutch Coach Ernest Brandy also felt there was more to come from the debutants.
“They have some good players in the team, but they have to play more and more to get better,” he said.
South Sudan has immense potential in all sports disciplines including basketball, football, track, boxing and martial arts.