Agel R. Machar has rejected calls for Twic Mayardit to withdraw from the Bahr El Ghazal Counties’ Tournament (BCT), urging the team and its supporters to remain in the competition despite the violence that followed Sunday’s match against Cueibet.
Machar said Twic Mayardit should respond to the incident by recovering, reorganising and continuing its campaign rather than withdrawing from the tournament.
“I say we push forward, no matter what,” Machar said in a statement. “We are one of the best-known ambassadors of sports for peace and particularly football culture in the region, partly due to the Twic Olympics phenomenon.”
“We have a moral responsibility to help spread the spirit of sportsmanship, no matter the cost. Withdrawal would be an easy way out of a crisis and that’s not Twic Mayardit spirit.”
Machar added: “We get knocked down, we get up, recover, reorganise and push forward. Bring this cup home. That’s our only response. Quick recovery.”
Background
The call for withdrawal came after violence erupted following the BCT match between Twic Mayardit and Cueibet at Munuki Playground in Juba on Sunday.
The match ended 1-1 after Twic Mayardit scored a late equaliser. Following the final whistle, Cueibet supporters invaded the pitch, with Twic Mayardit players attacked during the ensuing disorder.
Two Twic Mayardit players were reported to have been left unconscious, while three fans were injured, including one who was stabbed in the arm.
The incident prompted frustration among some Twic Mayardit supporters, with calls emerging for the team to withdraw from the tournament.
The technical committee of the Bahr El Ghazal Counties’ Tournament subsequently suspended matches until further notice following the incident.
Machar’s statement takes a different position, calling on Twic Mayardit to remain in the competition and use its participation to promote sportsmanship and peace through football.
“Bring this cup home. That’s our only response,” he said.
