Khartoum Regains Its Pulse| Sudanow Magazine

Khartoum, (Sudanow)_ June 10 was a historic day, marking the curtain fall on a championship absent from Khartoum for three years. It was a sporting epic starring Sudan’s two football giants. Unlike previous encounters, this derby was held at the newly rehabilitated Khartoum Stadium, packed with cheering crowds. It wasn’t just 90 minutes of running, it was a reassuring sign that Khartoum is coming back to life. Despite the heat, attendance was massive, and the desire to witness the event from inside the stadium was overwhelming. The entire scene painted a vivid picture with one clear message: Khartoum is rising again.

Yes, Al-Hilal won the Elite League and its fans celebrated in huge numbers. But the picture was bigger than a sporting victory, it was a triumph of the people’s will at a pivotal moment in Sudan’s history. The stadium’s stands overflowed with fans who lived the match, interacted with it, and cheered their players.

Khartoum Stadium itself wore a new look, adorned in blue and red, in a majestic scene that prompted Minister of Culture, Information, Antiquities, and Tourism, Khalid Al-Eisir, to describe it precisely:
“When I first saw Khartoum before the expulsion of the rebel Rapid militia, the scene was burdened with questions more than answers, a city on the edge of the unknown, wrapped in heavy silence filled with anxiety and anticipation. Later visits revealed signs of recovery quietly creeping into the details of the place, despite the harsh scars of war on roads, vehicles, and buildings, and despite the emptiness of streets and squares.”
He continued: “During my attendance at the derby between Al-Hilal and Al-Merrikh, amid a massive crowd and a scene full of life and strength, the picture was completely different. It wasn’t just a football match or a passing sports event, it was a national occasion affirming that Sudan’s capital has regained its heartbeat. Life, no matter how disrupted, always finds its way back to Khartoum, the beautiful capital, to resume its journey anew.”
The minister stressed that what was achieved after defeating the militia cannot be reduced to a military victory alone. It represents the restoration of the state’s meaning, the rebuilding of people’s trust in the future, and the return of hope to its rightful place in the Sudanese collective spirit.
He affirmed that Khartoum today looks more prepared for tomorrow, with everyone more capable of fulfilling promises and responsibilities. Tomorrow opens wide horizons for those who endured and persevered to take part in rebuilding and giving. “Praise be to God for a homeland that, whenever some thought revival was impossible or defeat had lasted too long, surprises everyone with its ability to renew, recover, and return stronger and more steadfast.”

Al-Aysir concluded:
“Sudanese people’s will is unbreakable. History, museums, and monuments are full of evidence of this. Yet what will remain in the national memory, such as the defeat of the militia in the heart of the capital, with its urban weight, intertwined structures, and symbolic national landmarks, will stand as one of the most important lessons passed down through generations. It deserves to be proudly recorded in the opening pages of Sudan’s national history as testimony to the resilience of Sudanese will and the ability of the nation and its people to overcome hardships and return to normal life.”
The organizing committee made great efforts, especially in preparing Khartoum Stadium, which came back to life. The stadium maintenance committee succeeded in rehabilitating it in record time despite the destruction that had affected all sports facilities, including Khartoum Stadium. Security arrangements by Khartoum State Police ensured the “Elite Derby” was safe. Police, alongside other forces, secured the stadium and its surroundings with high precision, guaranteeing the safety of fans through top-level coordination. Beyond their traditional role, police supported clubs and fans throughout the tournament, acting as genuine partners in the success of this grand sporting festival.

Now the ball is in the court of state officials and the top clubs. Meeting the growing passion requires swift steps to rehabilitate the remaining stadiums. Despite limited resources, determination remains the driving force. Everyone is a partner here. The derby was watched by all, some rejoiced in victory, others felt the sting of defeat, but the overall scene was uplifting and motivating for what lies ahead. Sports are a vital element in bringing citizens back and restoring life to a capital weighed down by war. The conclusion of the Elite League was a promising and reassuring start to a new era.
This was echoed by Sudan Football Association President Dr. Mutasim Jaafar, who, after meeting the Sovereignty Council Chairman on Tuesday, confirmed that General Burhan promised to remove all obstacles facing the sports sector and to rehabilitate six stadiums across Sudan during the upcoming 2026–2027 season.

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