Nuni Omot ‘deeply saddened and sorry’ after Borisa Simanic’s kidney removed

South Sudan’s first participation in the World Cup, and its qualification for the Paris Olympics, was one of the great stories of the competition. Unfortunately for Luol Deng and his players, Borisa Simanic’s injury in the game against Serbia tarnished the picture a bit.

Nuni Omot’s nudge, deemed completely involuntary by the referees and therefore not even considered a fault, had serious consequences for the strong winger from Zaragoza.

Quickly operated in a hospital in Manila, Borisa Simanic however saw his condition worsen in the following days, and he finally had to undergo the removal of a kidney. A very rare complication, which saddens the side of South Sudan, which published a press release to convey its thoughts to the Serbian basketball player.

“I am deeply saddened. As a sportsman, I fully understand the seriousness of his situation and I am deeply sorry that this happened. No player should have to go through this. I pray that Simanic recovers and returns to the field soon” explains Nuni Omot, the author of the unfortunate nudge.

But this press release is also an opportunity for South Sudan to condemn the racist attacks suffered, in particular on social networks, by Nuni Omot since the injury of Borisa Simanic.

“The federation also wishes to address the issue of racism and harassment suffered by Nuni Omot after the announcement of this regrettable event: we condemn any form of racism against the player. Basketball is a sport that brings people together and should not be used as a vehicle for prejudice. Finally, we send our prayers and best wishes for Borisa Simanic’s recovery.”

For the moment, the latter’s state of health is considered unstable, even if no timetable for his return has been established.