Financial transparency sets new benchmark
The South Sudan Football Federation says gate takings from October’s qualifiers hit 172.79 million SSP, a first-of-its-kind disclosure aimed at anchoring financial integrity across the sport, finance committee chair Gatjang Matiok Nhal told journalists in Juba.
Receipts show 156.85 million SSP flowed from the Senegal fixture on 10 October, while the Togo encounter three days later added 15.94 million SSP, cementing Juba National Stadium’s status as a lucrative venue for the Bright Stars.
Record crowds embrace renovated stadium
More than 20,000 supporters, according to security estimates, filled the newly refurbished stands for each match, lured by cheaper terrace tickets and curiosity about the 88-million-dollar facelift financed through government and FIFA infrastructure grants.
Vendors reported brisk sales of jerseys and refreshments, while local musicians warmed up the crowd, subtly turning the double-header into a civic festival that projected a modern image of South Sudan to regional broadcasters.
Bright Stars’ mixed results fuel debate
Coach Stefano Cusin’s side endured a 5-0 drubbing by Senegal’s Lions of Teranga yet regrouped to force a gritty goalless draw with Togo, collecting a historic first home point and energising conversations about the team’s tactical evolution.
Midfielder Danny Chol said, “When the fans saw us fight back, they forgot the Senegal score and believed again.” Analysts note such resilience can translate into commercial appeal if consistent results follow.
Governance ripple effects across Africa
Transparency advocates argue the Federation’s prompt disclosure sets a continental precedent, dovetailing with CAF’s push for cleaner books, while sponsors view it as a risk-mitigation signal that could unlock marketing budgets previously withheld amid uncertainty.
Nhal pledged quarterly reports and hinted at digital ticketing to curb leakages, saying the money will be channelled into youth academies and women’s leagues, aligning financial gain with social dividends within the wider national development agenda.