The second edition of the Ateker Cup of Nations has officially kicked off in Soroti City, Uganda, bringing together football teams representing Ateker communities from across East Africa and neighbouring countries in a tournament that seeks to promote unity, friendship, cultural exchange and peaceful coexistence through football.
The opening matches have already produced exciting action, with Suguta Valley FC from Kenya securing a narrow 3–2 victory over Soroti FC in an entertaining encounter that gave the Kenyan side a winning start to the tournament.
Meanwhile, Ngora FC, the defending champions from the previous edition held in Lodwar, Kenya, also began their title defence on a winning note after battling to a 1–0 victory over Kalokol Rangers.
Before the tournament officially got underway, players, officials and supporters observed a moment of silence in honour of the late Julius Erot Lometo, popularly known as “Kanté,” a Kalokol Rangers FC player whose death has deeply affected the football fraternity.
However, as excitement builds around the tournament, questions have also emerged over the organisation of some fixtures.
Moses Esibitar Natin, popularly known as “Rooney,” the Chairperson of the Ateker Cup of Nations Kenya Chapter, has publicly challenged the tournament organisers over what he describes as unacceptable fixture arrangements.
Rooney has questioned why Suguta All Stars, who he says arrived in Soroti City ahead of some of the competing teams, have reportedly been scheduled to face defending champions Ngora FC in a fixture he claims was not selected in accordance with the agreed competition framework.
According to Rooney, fixtures should be determined strictly according to the established laws, rules, regulations and agreed framework of the tournament rather than through decisions made by a few individuals.
He is now calling for transparency, order and fairness in the organisation of the competition, insisting that all participating teams should be subjected to the same rules without manipulation or selective application.
Rooney has also assured Kenyan teams and supporters that he is travelling to Soroti to seek clarification and demand answers regarding the disputed fixture arrangements.
Despite the controversy, the Ateker Cup of Nations remains an important sporting platform for communities spread across South Sudan, Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda and Kenya. Beyond the competition on the pitch, the tournament provides an opportunity for people from different Ateker communities to interact, celebrate their shared heritage and strengthen relationships across national borders.
With several teams still waiting to begin their campaigns, supporters can expect more competitive football and exciting encounters as the tournament progresses.
The second edition of the Ateker Cup of Nations is therefore beginning with both sporting excitement and an important conversation about fairness and transparency in grassroots football.
As the matches continue in Soroti, the tournament carries a bigger message beyond winning trophies: let football bring the Ateker people together, promote peace across borders and strengthen the bonds that connect communities.
