National Sports Strategy Gains Momentum
At the South Sudan Football Federation congress in Juba, Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Joseph Geng Akech unveiled plans to align popular community tournaments with formal state systems, declaring that “the real pathway to international play is through academies and clubs.”
Community Tournaments Under Review
Grass-roots competitions have flourished as peace-building events, yet officials note uneven rules, limited coaching, and occasional crowd violence that hamper talent growth. The ministry will now license events through state federations, establishing calendars, age brackets, and coaching standards.
Dr. Geng argued that coherent pathways can lift the country’s FIFA ranking and attract club scouts. “We need our children to graduate from local fields to the Premier League and Women’s League,” he told delegates, receiving applause from coaches and senior players on the floor.
Security and Fair Play Concerns
Observers record rising incidents of referee intimidation, disputed penalties and post-match clashes that have injured spectators in Rumbek and Wau. The new framework will feature mandatory steward training, neutral referee panels and civic education messages to keep the tournament spirit anchored in unity.
Next Steps Toward Professional Leagues
Once fresh SSFF officials take office, joint working groups will draft guidelines ready for the 2025 season. Benchmarks include registering youth academies, digitising player data, and inviting regional referees for mentorship clinics supported by CAF.
Sports economists predict that a structured league pyramid could unlock sponsorship from banks and telecoms already investing in basketball. For young talents like Juba United’s 17-year-old striker Angelo Sebit, the prospect of a clear climb to professionalism feels “like opening a national doorway.”