Dokolo North County MP Joseph Jones Ogwal has pledged to elevate the standard of football in his constituency, saying grassroots competitions can provide young players with a platform to develop their talents and build lasting networks.
Ogwal made the remarks on Saturday, August 29, while officiating at the opening of the 2026 Bata Town Council football tournament in Dokolo District. The tournament, which he is sponsoring, brings together teams from the five wards of Aderolongo South, Aningo Central, Eastern, Northern, and Western.
Ogwal said he was pleased with the growing interest in the tournament and expressed hope that this year’s edition would surpass previous competitions in organisation, participation, and quality of football. He said his tenure in parliament would focus on raising the level of football in Dokolo North, urging players to approach the tournament with commitment and discipline while using the opportunity to nurture their talents.
The MP also commended residents and leaders of Bata Town Council and the entire district for actively participating in the National Cleaning Day exercise, saying community development requires collective responsibility beyond political and sporting activities.
Bata Town Council LCIII Chairperson Shaban Ocen thanked the MP for sponsoring the tournament, saying it would benefit young people beyond the football pitch. Ocen said the inter-ward competition would help young people develop in three key areas — networking and friendship, mental wellbeing, and physical health.
The tournament’s opening ceremony was preceded by a curtain-raiser featuring champions of similar tournaments organised earlier this year in Adok and Bata sub-counties in both boys’ and girls’ categories.
In the girl’ match, Bata Subcounty defeated Adok Subcounty 2-0, while Adok Subcounty secured revenge in the boys’ category with a 2-1 victory over Bata.
The results provided an early glimpse of the competitive nature expected in the 2026 Bata Town Council tournament as teams from the five wards battle for honours.
The tournament is expected to give young footballers in the area an opportunity to showcase their abilities while strengthening relationships among communities through sport.