El-Merriekh FC Bentiu beat Al-Salaam FC at Dr. John Garang Stadium. (-)

El Merreikh FC Bentiu were crowned the champions of South Sudan Cup in Bentiu on Saturday after beating Al-Salaam FC in a tournament attended by thousands of supporters.

The proficient First Division side easily brushed their Second Division opponents aside in a 1-0 win at Bentiu Independence Stadium in the state capital.

Upon wining the trophy, El Merreikh FC Bentiu will now represent the local league at the national championship competition this year.

The president of Bentiu Local Football Association Mr. Gatjang Matiok hails the huge turnout of football fans from Bentiu town, Rubkona and the IDPS camps.

Gatjang urges the state to continue supporting sport to promote peace among communities.

“Sport has become a tool for uniting the people of South Sudan in general and particularly, the people of Unity State,” he told Eye Radio.

“Yesterday (Saturday), they have turned up in huge number from the IDPs camp, they came out from Rubkona and Bentiu town and you can imagine yesterday the stadium was full and they were all excited and mode of peace has appeared.”

The final was attended by SSFA spokesperson, Mr. Albino Kuek, who conveyed the message of the president, Mr. Augustino Maduot Parek.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Albino appreciated the leadership of Bentiu Local Football Association for the successful and professional organization of the South Sudan Cup.

Mr. Kuek stressed on the importance of improving the playground and called on the state leadership to draw tangible plans for reconstruction of the Bentiu main stadium.