Africa-Press – South-Sudan. As Ramadan commences, Zalingei, the capital of Central Darfur State, is seeing a surge in youth club gatherings and activities. Despite ongoing conflicts in the city, evenings witness vibrant engagements among young people, particularly in football viewing clubs and gatherings to follow international sports events.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday, Mohammed Ahmed, a coach and sports enthusiast, highlighted the youth’s enthusiasm for football, which drives their regular attendance at club meetings to socialize and follow sports competitions, notably European leagues. He noted that these youth clubs persist even amid the city’s most sensitive periods of conflict, serving as crucial outlets for young people.
Despite local competitive leagues being suspended due to the war, friendly sports activities thrive within neighbourhoods and among groups of friends across various parts of the city, according to Mohammed.
Musa Bashir, a proprietor of football viewing clubs, shared with Radio Tamazuj that these clubs have emerged as the primary gathering spots for young people. He emphasized that sports have traditionally drawn significant youth participation, making these clubs indispensable for following various sports activities.
Regarding the sports scene, he commented, “The sports scene in Central Darfur State now is the only gathering that brings people together. We consider sports activities in the state to be the most unifying activities, not limited to sports only, but also extending to the social aspect as well.” He added, “Sport activities range from football, volleyball, table tennis, billiards, and more. These activities have not been greatly affected by the reality imposed by the war, as they have remained the same as before the war and now. It is noticeable that the youth are more inclined to join clubs than adults.”
Bashir elaborated that football viewing clubs now serve as havens for recreation, offering young people a refuge from the current security and political challenges, helping them escape boredom. These clubs provide a space for unwinding after a day of work, fostering camaraderie and boosting morale.
Notably, with telecommunication services interrupted, these clubs and cafes have equipped themselves with satellite communication devices to provide internet services to young customers. Their gatherings often extend into the early hours of the morning, as they have become the preferred social hubs for young people.
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