Eng. Lemi William has appealed to South Sudanese and well-wishers to support Yei Joint Stars as the national women’s champions prepare for their sixth CECAFA appearance.
The Yei Joint Stars president says the club cannot carry the responsibility of representing South Sudan alone and believes support from the wider football community is necessary if the team is to compete with clubs from across the region.
Speaking after the team’s 10-1 preseason friendly defeat to Future Stars Football Academy U17, Lemi said football development requires a collective effort.
“It’s not about the Yei Joint Stars alone. I want to assure you that we really need South Sudanese to get involved and support the teams here in our country,” he said.
Lemi described the club’s work as largely voluntary and said administrators are often forced to contribute their own resources to keep the team running.
He also appealed to well-wishers to contribute towards the team’s CECAFA campaign.
“I am calling upon South Sudanese and well-wishers that let’s dip into our pockets and support the team. It’s not my team, it’s not somebody’s team, this is our team,” he said.
According to Lemi, stronger financial and logistical support would help South Sudanese clubs compete more effectively at regional level.
Yei Joint Stars are preparing to travel to Rwanda for their sixth CECAFA campaign, with the club aiming to reach the final for the first time.
