South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
Arsenal Football Club fans in Juba triumphed over their Liverpool counterparts in a highly anticipated charity football match held on Saturday at the Buluk playground. The match, which ended 2–1 in favour of the Arsenal side, was organised to raise funds and collect both medical and non-medical equipment for Al Shabab Children’s Hospital and Juba Teaching Hospital.
Held under the theme “Together We Give, Together We Grow,” the event attracted dozens of football enthusiasts and community members from across the city, all united by the shared goal of improving healthcare services in South Sudan.
After the match, Sebit William, the Arsenal fans’ group leader in Juba, congratulated his team on the victory but emphasised that the true success lay in the collective effort towards a noble cause.
“This match is not just about football,” said Sebit. “It’s about coming together to make a difference. Charity is one of the most important things we can do in this country. I’m proud of both Arsenal and Liverpool fans for showing that even small contributions can help save lives.”
The match was closely contested, with both teams demonstrating strong spirit and teamwork. Despite the loss,
Meanwhile, John Mading, the Liverpool fans’ group leader in Juba, remained optimistic, highlighting the importance of charity.
“We may have lost the match, but we’ve won in purpose,” Mading said. “Just a few weeks ago, we donated items to Juba Teaching Hospital, and we’re committed to continuing that support. Giving back to the community is something we deeply believe in.”
The Arsenal fan group has a long-standing history of community engagement. In 2020, the group donated oxygen cylinders and led a general clean-up campaign at Al Shabab Children’s Hospital, an initiative that earned them widespread praise.
The event underscored the growing role of grassroots groups in addressing healthcare challenges in South Sudan.
