The Aweil Local Football Association in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State and civil society organisations in Warrap State are mourning veteran coach Sebit Akot, who died in Juba last week after a short illness.
Akot, 60, is being remembered for his long contribution to sports development in Bahr el Ghazal region before and after South Sudan’s independence. He is said to have voluntarily trained several football associations and other sports groups over the years.
Following his death, his remains were received at Aweil Airport on last Friday, where players, coaches and sports officials paid their respects before the body was transferred to Warrap State for burial.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Monday, Aweil Local Football Association spokesperson Akuei Deng Bak described Akot as a key figure in regional sports development, saying his efforts strengthened ties between football communities in Northern Bahr el Ghazal and Warrap states.
“The late was a veteran coach at the Greater Bahr el Ghazal level and through his cooperation and coordination, our football clubs from Aweil have played several friendly matches in Kuajok in Warrap State, and vice versa in Aweil,” Deng said.
Warrap State civil society organisations chairperson Bona Malual said Akot played a significant role in building the capacity of local sports groups and should be remembered for his dedication.
“On behalf of civil society in Warrap State, we send our last tributes to our fallen coach who contributed a lot to football activities in the states. He will be remembered for his commitment and for mentoring different football and volleyball teams,” Malual said.
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