Fans Unite for Healthcare Support
Buluk playground buzzed on Saturday as Arsenal and Liverpool supporter clubs from Juba met for a friendly yet purposeful fixture. The event was designed to gather donations of medicines, equipment and cash for Al Shabab Children’s Hospital and Juba Teaching Hospital, institutions often stretched by rising demand.
Match Highlights Captivate Juba
Arsenal fans struck first through striker Lado Abdallah after 18 minutes, unleashing cheers across the stands. Liverpool equalised before half-time via Deng Garang’s deft finish. The decider arrived late, midfielder Emmanuel Wani curling home a free-kick that sealed a 2–1 triumph for the Gunners faithful.
Leaders Applaud Community Spirit
“This was never about the scoreline; it was about heart,” reflected Sebit William, head of the Arsenal group, while lifting the makeshift trophy. Liverpool counterpart John Mading echoed the sentiment, asserting that “purpose defeated rivalry today,” reminding supporters of recent donations already delivered to Juba Teaching Hospital.
Grassroots Impact on Hospitals
Supporters’ philanthropy is not new. During the 2020 pandemic peak, Arsenal fans handed over oxygen cylinders and organised a hospital clean-up, actions praised by city officials. Saturday’s initiative added boxes of gloves, stethoscopes and children’s antibiotics, illustrating how fan culture can complement government and NGO health efforts.
Outlook for Community-Driven Sport
Organisers hinted at expanding the charity league to include other Premier League fan bases in Juba, citing growing corporate interest. Sports analyst James Othok suggested such events “build social cohesion while easing pressure on overstretched clinics,” predicting more collaborative fixtures as South Sudanese youth embrace volunteerism through football.