Two teams from the Juba Football team, Dragon team in white T-shirt defeated Al shola in black T-shirts by 5 goals to nil - Dec. 21, 2022 - COURTESY

The Juba Central Prison inmates’ team has called on the national ministry of sport to support them with sports kits.

Shel Chol, an official with Juba Central Prison Inmates’ Football Association says this will help hand athletically because the inmates are an integral part of society in the country

He added that sport contributes to the reintegration of inmates into society after serving their imprisonment

He made this call during the football tournament where over 15 football teams participated in the Juba Central Prison Football League which concluded on Wednesday, December 21, 2022.

“I appeal to the Minister of Youth and Sports, the President of South Sudan National Youth Union, and the President of the South Sudan Football Association, to extend a helping hand to the sports activities here in Juba Central Prison,” said Chol.

“Sports can discipline and rehabilitate prisoners and contribute to their integration into society.”

The tournament lasted seven months and brought the inmate from different prisons awards. This includes the convicted and the waiting list among other prison awards.

This is the third consecutive year of this tournament. According to the prison directorate the tournament organizer

In the final match of this year, the Dragon team won the trophy after defeating the opponent team, Al-Shola team by 5 goals to nil.

In his part Major General Amin Elia Lugogo, Deputy Director of Juba Central Prison, said the sport is a culture in the first place, urging the inmates to exercise regularly.

General Elia says playing football in this great way in prison is indicative of prison reform and refinement

“This is a beautiful opportunity, when you see a team presenting this performance from the prison, it is difficult to believe that this is the performance of the inmates. It also indicates that there is a development in the capabilities of the prisoners,” Maj Gen Elia said.

“Sport has many social and cultural benefits, and I appeal to you to provide more in sports and develop your skills.”