A female football tournament is underway in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area’s (GPAA) border town of Pochalla to foster peace and unity among the young people there.
The event, launched by Pochalla South County authorities on August 11, brings 4 female teams to battle for a trophy next week. Finn Church Aid (FCA) is supporting the program, which will see boys’ teams participating in a male category.
Margaret Akule Nyigwo, the tournament’s head coach, told Radio Tamazuj that the competition is a game-changer for a culture that often overlooks female sports.
“Culturally, girls are barred from sports, so bringing them together to participate in a football tournament alongside their male partners is a sign of peace and unity, and that girls are getting fair treatment,” she said. “These girls are aged between 13 and 18, and this is a commitment to the fulfillment of their freedom.”
The participating female teams are Bright Future FC, Beet Meer (Love) FC, Guiding Star FC, and Martyrs FC.
Ariet Omot, a female player, said she is happy to participate in the football tournament.
“We are happy that we are allowed to take part in football. I play for Beet Meer, and this competition is indeed promoting peace in our society,” she said.
For his part, Othow Okoti Abich, the Pochalla South County commissioner, said they introduced the tournament to foster a culture of peace and unity, amidst the commemoration of International Youth Day.
“We are grateful to FCA for partnering with us in this activity. There has never been involvement of females in football in our culture,” he said. “We are introducing this to promote peace as young people celebrate International Youth Day.”