Al-Rabita FC Captain Jimmy Lemi’s Courageous Act: Apology to Match Official Sets an Example of Integrity
In a display of remarkable integrity and humility, Jimmy Lemi, the captain of Al-Rabita FC and former South Sudan National Team defender, has taken a bold step by publicly apologizing to match official Mr. Sam for his game misconduct during their Juba Local Football League match against Viva Star FC.
Expressing his remorse, Jimmy Lemi stated, “I would like to apologize to the administration of the Steering Committee of the JLFA, Referees committee, and all sports lovers, fans, coaches, and footballers around the country for attacking the match official, Centre Referee, Mr. Sam. It was not my intention to do that to him. I was just in the deepest anger and couldn’t control myself. That was how it happened.”
Violence in football remains a prevalent issue in South Sudan, despite efforts to address it, making Jimmy’s public apology a significant and commendable gesture. Acknowledging his mistake with honesty and humility, Jimmy emphasized the importance of accountability and expressed his sincere regret for his actions.
“I urge all of you to acknowledge my apology as a human being, with passion and emotions. Once again, I apologize to the referee himself, Mr. Sam,” Jimmy added, demonstrating his commitment to rectifying his behavior and learning from the incident.
As one of the oldest players in the Konyokonyo league, Jimmy Lemi’s leadership qualities shine through not only for his skills on the field but also for his willingness to accept responsibility for his actions. His pledge to refrain from repeating the mistake reflects his dedication to being a role model and exemplar of sportsmanship.
Jimmy’s track record of fair play and sportsmanship further underscores his genuine remorse for the incident, portraying him as a captain and player who embodies integrity and strives to set a positive example for his teammates and the broader sporting community.