South Sudan’s U17 football talent Lazarus Peter has finally seen his dream take flight—literally.
Peter, 17, left Juba on Tuesday evening for Sweden, where he will join IFK Göteborg, one of the country’s top-tier football clubs.
“His journey hasn’t been easy. The process of securing a visa stretched over a year, with two unsuccessful attempts that could have discouraged many,” FSFA-Future Stars Football Academy, his former academy, stated.
But Lazarus and those around him remained steadfast. With all the necessary requirements finally in place, the breakthrough came, paving the way for this next big chapter.
He arrived in Oslo Norway early Wednesday morning as he was reportedly proceeding to Göteborg to begin his integration with the club.
While he has signed a pre-contract for now, a full professional contract awaits him when he turns 18 next year.
During this period, he’ll train, adapt to the team culture, and familiarize himself with European football standards all crucial steps as he transitions from promising youth to professional athlete.
This opportunity was earned, not given. It reflects not just the talent of Lazarus but the supportive ecosystem around him his family, coaches, teammates, and the South Sudan football community that believed in him every step of the way.
Lazarus Peter’s story is more than a personal achievement; it’s a beacon of hope for aspiring footballers in South Sudan.
