South Sudanese Amy Lasu inspires aspiring footballers

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Amy Lasu is the captain of South Sudan women National Team, daughter of a refugee family who fled the country during civil war when she was three. She believes football can play a positive role in helping women gather, find their way and inspire South Sudanese who wish to take their part in bringing about a brighter future. In the past, football was considered a taboo for girls but society is progressively changing.  Amy Lasu, a South Sudan midfielder, is a bright example of this.  She is the captain of the women National Team which was established for the 2019 Council of East and Central Africa Football Association Women's Championship.

" I grow up in Kenya, I have lived there most of my life, I studied in Kenya, I have also played football in Kenya, there I started playing at the age of 7...until now "

Amy's family fled South Sudan during the civil war. After a Bachelors' degree and a brilliant performance in Kenya's Women Premier League, she chose to play for her home country, believing sports is a change agent.  She was interviewed for a communication campaign by NGO Amref to change the storytelling on Africa. The footballer insisted on the critical contribution education brings to a society:  " I think that with more schools for all the kids, we can have more pilots, more engineers, more doctors. "

In the 11th year of its independence, South Sudan faces economic, political and security struggles. Amy Lasu and her teammates wish to bring their country to the top, one game at a time:  " Football, as I can see, is a uniting factor. Because football knows no race, no religion, no tribe, it brings people together, it promotes peace in the countries. I just want to pave the way for the young ones who can promote peace, coming together we can try to change how things are going in this country. "

Society is changing which, Amy believes, has enabled many prospects to be spottted. The midfielder will continue to shine hope for South Sudanese football lovers and aspiring players.

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