South Sudan Steps onto Continental Stage
With the 4th African Youth Games approaching, Juba has entered full preparation mode. Anna Nyakuet Taker, second vice-president of the South Sudan National Olympic Committee, heads the mission charged with turning raw enthusiasm into organised performance, signalling the nation’s growing confidence on the continental sporting map.
Mission Leadership in Luanda
In Luanda, Nyakuet assumed her Chief de Mission duties on 18 September, joining counterparts from 54 African nations for three days of logistical negotiations. Housing, safe transport, athlete accreditation and security protocols dominated the agenda, laying the framework for a smooth December 2025 showcase across six Angolan cities.
Angola’s Historic Celebration
Angola sees the Games as a centrepiece of its 50th independence anniversary, the first time the country hosts a continental multi-sport event. More than 5,000 athletes aged 14–17 will test their skills in 33 disciplines, turning Luanda, Benguela, Lubango, Huambo, Mossamedes and Caxito into vibrant youth arenas.
Road to Dakar 2026 Opportunity
For South Sudan, the stakes extend beyond medals. Performance in Angola doubles as direct qualification for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. Nyakuet calls the mission “more than competition, it’s about unity, pride, and giving our youth the chance to shine,” underscoring the programme’s developmental significance.
Spirit of Resilience and Unity
Observers note that the young nation’s sporting narrative mirrors its broader journey of resilience. By assembling a focused delegation early, South Sudan signals readiness to compete and to connect. As Angola polishes venues, Nyakuet’s team fine-tunes dreams that could inspire a generation well beyond December 2025.