All things sport....:)

South Sudan to Represent East Africa in Key Basketball Competition

South Sudan will represent Eastern Africa in the world basketball championship in the United States of America later this year.

JUBA, 12 February 2011 [Gurtong] – The GoSS Minister of Information and Broadcasting Dr Barnaba Marial Benjamin described the event as “a historic mark to Southern Sudan”, coming just days after final referendum results showed its separation from North Sudan.

“A nation that just became independent is already beginning to participate in international events. This is the beginning and Southern Sudan will be participating in many world competitions”, said an elated Dr Marial told the press in Juba.

“Southern Sudan is making a map in the history of sports since it emerged from civil strife with the North and we need to tell the world out there that we are talented”, the Minister said.

He said that the Council of Ministers of the Government of Southern Sudan has approved SDG 3 million for preparation by the 60 sportsmen and women who will participate in the competitions.

He said that the GOSS is happy seeing its youngsters represent the region, saying South Sudan emerged second best in last year’s East Africa basketball competition.

The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to support and boost sports in the country.

The international competition invite is the first of its kind in the history of the country that has produced some of the biggest names in the basketball arena, most of whom ply their trade in the United States of America’s National Basketball Association (NBA).
(Gurtong (http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/4862/categoryId/1/South-Sudan-to-Represent-East-Africa-in-Key-Basketball-Competition.aspx))

Long Arms Reach for the Rim

By JOSH KRON
Published: February 19, 2011

JUBA, Sudan — His first two attempts sprung off the back of the rim, the ball careening through the air, the crowd sighing loudly. Mangistu Deng, 16, dribbled back to halfcourt, pounding the ball for his final dunk of the night.

Deng called over a friend, who stood just in front of the foul line, stiff as possible, back to him. Then Deng took off like a grasshopper into the night and soared over his friend. The fans rose to their feet. Cellphone cameras clicked.

Mangistu Deng — slam-dunk champion, Juba City, 2011.

After decades of civil war, peace has finally settled in southern Sudan. The south will soon declare independence from the north, and with this newfound freedom, the southern Sudanese are beginning to rediscover themselves, reacquaint themselves with all that has been stunted or twisted or buried under the weight of war.

Crazy for basketball is part of who they are, or were. Manute Bol (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/b/manute_bol/index.html?inline=nyt-per), their pioneer, became an N.B.A. star a quarter-century ago. Since then, many talented players, some driven out of southern Sudan by the years of violence, have had solid collegiate careers in the United States.

With the legends came the clichés about Africans and basketball, the laughs and the bad Kevin Bacon movie.

Now, though, at the dawn of peace, there appears to be emerging an exuberant re-embrace of the sport, and with it a second wave of talent to be recruited, prospects perhaps no longer seen chiefly as curiosities.

They are versatile, freakishly athletic, and with a confidence for the game. Their hero is not Bol, who died last June; it is Luol Deng, a star with the Chicago Bulls. The N.B.A. has noticed.

“We are very much in tune with what’s going on in southern Sudan,” said Amadou Fall, the vice president for development with N.B.A. Africa, the league’s outreach arm. “Southern Sudan does have an abundance of tall, well-talented players. We have to pay attention.”

Two years ago, Mangistu Deng (no relation to Luol) was any other third-world teenager, stuck in the usual miserable circumstances: unrivaled poverty, violence, instability.

Now he has found a way out.

Each day, Deng slips away from the daily chaos of the southern capital, Juba, to the sanctuary he has cultivated: Nimra Tilata, the hallowed basketball court near the Nile River. Now he is one of southern Sudan’s top basketball prospects and the face of a new sporting generation. He has not always had a lot in this life, but he has a place to play.

“I was born in war,” he said. “So, I thought, when I grow up, I will be a soldier. But then basketball just came.

“God gave me this talent. It was not my choice. I really appreciate it.”

At Nimra Tilata, he meets his friends Makur Puou and Hakim Nyang. Coach Bil Duany brings the ball, and in the midday heat, the youngsters scrimmage, and hustle and sweat. The backdrop of the independence rallies and campaign posters, the dust bowls and the meandering children fade away.

The rekindled passion for the game has been fueled in part by the return of the Sudanese basketball diaspora. Duany, who played (http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/player/eastern-illinois/bil-duany) Division I basketball at Eastern Illinois from 2004-6, is one who came back.

“There are guys here with N.B.A.-caliber talent,” said Duany, who serves as a coach to many of the local boys.

The obvious attributes endure. The Dinka and Nuer tribes of southern Sudan are considered among the tallest people in the world.

“South Sudanese are tall, they run well for guys of their size, and they’re very skillful,” Duany said. “They’ve passed that requirement already.”

Now Duany is here to help them get to the next level. In southern Sudan, one of the poorest places in the world, the chance to play basketball may be the chance of a lifetime.

“I want to show my country I can do something,” Deng said.

Bol, a 7-foot-6 Dinka cattle herder, was the first to show what a Sudanese player could do on the world stage. He was the second African-born player to be drafted into the N.B.A., and for years, he was, if an incomplete player, a shot-blocking sensation.

Bol, though, was not just a defender on the court. He used his N.B.A. salary to help bankroll the southern Sudanese liberation movement, which fought an insurgency against the north during the civil war.

If all goes according to plan, Deng, who is 6-7; Puou, who is 16 and 6-8; and Nyang, who is 15 and 7-1, will be playing this fall at Mooseheart, a prep school in Illinois.

In the United States, they will join a growing list of Duany’s recruits, including the 7-1 Chier Ajou (http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/recruiting/player/_/id/98723/chier-ajou), who has committed to New Mexico, and Peter Jurkin (http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/recruiting/player/_/id/98640/peter-jurkin), a highly rated center, who is headed to Indiana.

But basketball’s long-term future here hangs on the quality and lasting nature of independence. Political separation between north and south is not yet complete, and Duany said it was difficult obtaining passports for southern players to travel and play outside the country.

Although southern Sudan is unlikely to field a national basketball team by the 2012 Olympics, it hopes to compete in 2016.

For at least one night last month, the future seemed to have arrived at Nimra Tilata court. The slam-dunk contest was a carousel of spins, jabs and hang time. By the end, only one person was still standing — or floating.

The crowd stood silent as Deng rose higher, tongue out in a Jordanesque swagger, before exploding in applause as he ripped the ball through the rim.

“I am waiting,” he said, days after finding out he had been accepted to Mooseheart. “Any time. Any minute. Any hour. I am ready.”
(New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/20/sports/basketball/20sudan.html))

South Sudan Football Federation to be formed

By Juma John Stephen

The Undersecretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Recreation in the Government of Southern Sudan, Mr. John Baptist said on Wednesday that a Southern Sudan Football Federation shall soon be formed.

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/3705/mayom.jpg (http://img69.imageshack.us/i/mayom.jpg/)
RVI and Rumbek Town football teams at Rumbek Freedom Square after a friendly match. [Photo - File]

JUBA, February 23 (Gurtong) - “It is worth mentioning that the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Recreation in the Government of Southern Sudan is soon expected to establish the provisional Southern Sudan Football Association.” Said Baptist.

This declaration comes after the president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Eissa Hayatu, made similar remarks during his speech at the CAF General Assembly in Khartoum.

Hayatu declared that the next general assembly of the Confederation shall endorse the Southern Sudan Football Federation as the 54th member of the Federation of African Football.

In a separate event, the Minister of Youth, Sports and Recreation in the Government of Southern Sudan, Brigade General, Makauc Teny Youk discussed with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) Sudan Country director Ibrahim Sidi Be, to review and assess the needs of Southern Sudan in the areas mandated by UNESCO.

UNESCO has pledged to assist the Ministry in developing overall national policy and strategic plan for youth and sports. Makauc affirmed his ministry’s cooperation for all the programs in support of development and welfare of the youth.
Link (http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ID/4926/Default.aspx)

Abubaker Kaki Khamis the 800 meters champ, where he belongs?
Is he from south Sudan ?
According to wiki his Place of birth is Elmuglad, (central Sudan)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/eb/Abubaker_Kaki_Valence_2008.jpg

well Wikipedia is right he is from central Sudan not the South.^^

Cup Championship continues in South Sudan

Saturday, 26 March 2011 18:00 Sport >>>

The Gudai football team of Yambio in Western Equatoria State has defeated Torit Imatong 1-0 in South Sudan's Championship Cup tournament.

Meanwhile, Juba Kator football team won the mach against Yambio Marikh team 6 - 3, and in Western Bahr el Gazal State team Awil defeated Raja Salam 1 - 0.

Miraya FM (http://www.mirayafm.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5474:sudan-cup-championship-continues-in-south-sudan&catid=93&Itemid=314)

http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/8605/29lgzts.jpg (http://img51.imageshack.us/i/29lgzts.jpg/)

Top teams in Yambio, Western Equatoria

Kator Juba beats Godei Yambio 4-0 in southern football

Tuesday, 29 March 2011 13:03 Sport >>>.

Kator Juba humbled visitors Godei Yambio 4-0 in Juba Stadium in the Cup Championship. Meanwhile, in Western Bahr el-Ghazal state, Peace Aweil is scheduled to take on Kojok in the second round of the championship at Isaac stadium on Tuesday.

Miraya FM (http://www.mirayafm.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5492:kator-juba-defetes-godei-yambio-by-4-0&catid=93&Itemid=314)

Sports minister establishes provisional football association

JUBA, 8 April 2011 – The minister for Youth, Sports and Recreation, Government of Southern Sudan (GOSS), Brig. Gen. Makuac Teny Youk, has issued a ministerial order establishing the South Sudan Provisional Football Association.


The association will be in office for one year and will manage, promote and supervise football affairs in South Sudan. It will be led by Hon. Oliver Mori Benjamin as President, Doub Foj Jok as Vice President, Rudolf Andera Oujika as Secretary General, and Jaden Jada Solomon as the Treasurer. It has a total of 17 members.


It will also review existing basic rules and general regulations for the game as well as pursue the inclusion of South Sudan in the regional and international football federations such as CECAFA, CAF and FIFA. It will also work on establishing a national football team for South Sudan and organize state football associations.


The minister explained that the association has been established in accordance with the need to realize development of sports for the benefit of the people of South Sudan and especially the football sporting potential of the people and to empower the youth for education, employment, health, recreation, participation in governance and sustainable development of the new country.

Do you see Southern Sudan having a better team than Sudan in the future?

^^ Well, I don't know much about Sudan national team.....strength included. But, with time and right people running things........Yes, I see South Sudan being a dominant force in the region.

Do you see Southern Sudan having a better team than Sudan in the future?

South Sudan eyes basketball as new national pride
story (http://www.canada.com/sports/South+Sudan+eyes+basketball+national+pride/4082357/story.html)


http://www.canada.com/sports/4082356.bin?size=620x400

^^ Not to brag, but we are already dominating Basketball. It's just a matter of time before we start kicking their ass in the other sports too..and in a whole lot of other things. :lol:

Are you from Sudan? :)

Isn't it mainly Dinka people who like sports?

Yes, I'm South Sudanese...and NO, all south Sudanese regardless of tribe participate in our sports. If you've got skills, no one's going stop you from playing. contrary to what many people would make you believe about SS, we are not that tribally minded, at least not at the level of other African countries. Maybe we'll get there (crossing my fingers we don't) but at the moment, it's not as bad.

Its going to be hard to beat these guys, tall as hell.

Angola (Africa's Basketball Supreme leader ), followed by Nigeria , Cameroun, Senegal. Will indeed be a good derby.

Renovation of Juba football stadium on track

Saturday, 16 April 2011 20:26 Sport >>> Officials of the Ministry of Culture Youths and Sports have confirmed that the renovation of Juba football stadium that started last week under the supervision of the Government of Southern Sudan in coordination with the local football association, is proceeding well. The stadium will host a match between South Sudan and Kenya on 9th July.
Miraya FM (http://www.mirayafm.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5675:renovation-of-juba-football-stadium-going-on-well&catid=93&Itemid=314)

Is there any news on if a national football league will be created?

^^ There is no news, but it will be created......There are people working on it.

South Sudan appoint new head coach/manager:

http://jubapost.org/article-87.html

More staff employed:

http://jubapost.org/article-94.html

Are the names listed back to front on these pages? The journalist's seems to be in reverse?

^^ Blue, don't think I quite get you there......But, the names look normal to me:)

South Sudan Football Association to announce national team on July 9th

Tuesday, 14 June 2011 20:11 Sport >>>

The Southern Sudan Football Association said that it has selected the national football team for south Sudan which will be announced on July 9th. The Association said that the team will be composed of 40 footballers.

The Secretary General of the Association, Rudolf Andrea Ujika, told Radio Miraya on Monday that the team will be camped in Yei town of Central Equatoria state to prepare for its first match against the Harambe Stars of Kenya on July 9th.

Miraya FM (http://www.mirayafm.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6171:southern-sudan-football-association-declaration-of-national-team-on-9th-of-july&catid=93&Itemid=314)

^^ Hope they introduce themselves with bang against Harambe Stars..:cheers:

First national squad named for Kenya friendly:

1- Michael Wilson (Kator FC)

2- Peter Media (Nasir FC)

3- Yahiya Abass (Hilal FC)

The Defenders

4- Emmanuel Kenyi 'Nimir' (Kator FC)

5- Alex Lomoro 'Lungu' (Kator FC)

6- Philip Dalifit (Talanga FC)

7- Richard Zuberi (Wau Salaam FC)

8- Ring Bagat (Malakia FC)

9- Remo Khalifilio (Wau Salaam)

10- George Francis

The Midfielders

11- Moses Joseph

12- Fareed Najib (Rabita FC)

13- Justin Wani (Hilal)

14- Zachariah Mohammed

15- Emmanuel James 'Loro' (Kator)

16- Samuel Tombe (Rain Bow)

The Right and Left Midfield players

17- Odongi Joseph (Nasir)

18- Lado Manase (Nasir)

19- Adnan Nan (Nasir)

20- Ali Gumbewe (Yambio)

21- Deng Arok (Malakia)

The Strikers

22- Hassan Ismail (Kator)

23- Abdullah Bamhaji (Meriekh FC)

24- Khamis Liliano (Wau Salaam)

25- Ali Omer Ali

http://jubapost.org/article-159.html

Golola Moses is African kick boxing champion
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Golola Moses of Uganda beat bdul Qadir Rahim of South Sudan in two rounds in Kampala to become African kick boxing title holder.


Golola Moses vs Abdul Quadir
BWi994A3WQ0

^^ Mr. Qadir need alot of work......That said, good on him for reaching that far.

Basketball

Since South Sudan is independent country now, its national-team and clubs will very soon be competing in FIBA-sanctioned tournaments such as the African Championships. Luol Deng (Chicago Bulls) visited recently the South Sudan and holds a camp in Juba, while Kueth Duany (Syracuse) is actively helping to speed things up regarding basketball.

It will take some time for SS to be recognized officially by FIBA....Come the time though; the new country will have a big pool of players to choose from.

Longar Longar, Center, Utah Flash (US D-League)

NNfYK95DzKk

Deng Gai, Forward, Naglis-Adakris (Lithuania)

B7b1tNlrdyg

Isaac Kuon, Shooting Guard, Windsor (Canada)

5kHw2Pp-grc

F-9RGatEDkE

Mac Koshwal, Power Forward,La Laguna (Spain)

xbDgWxO1ozU

Loul deng will be representing britain....he should have represented south sudan!

^^ Yeah, there are some South Sudanese representing their adopted countries. Good thing though.....people like Deng are helping out in a big way.

There are alot of South Sudanese Playing College basketball...

Cheir Ajou, Center, New Mexico (US College) Freshman

http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/1591/eacb535af4ee11de93db001.jpg


Dau Jok, Shooting Guard, Pennsylvania (US College) Sophomore

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/4782/unledmcn.png


Goldeng Deng, Guard, Park (US College) Senior

http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/9214/deng5364.jpg

Peter Jurkin, Center, Indiana (US College) Freshman

qpHagEWDvdc

Deng Leek, Centre, Western Kentucky (US College) Freshman

Kd7upfUCrQE

Has South Sudan considered taking up Rugby, would love to see Rugby played in S Sudan.

^^ Not any time soon, if ever. But yeah, I wouldn't mind if we take it up.......Specially Rugby League[much better than Union];)

^^ Not any time soon, if ever. But yeah, I wouldn't mind if we take it up.......Specially Rugby League[much better than Union];)


:okay::nocrook:

Hey, i'd come over and start teaching it, if it got me back to Africa lol

:okay::nocrook:

Hey, i'd come over and start teaching it, if it got me back to Africa lol

:) And you will be more than welcome. The world is coming to introduce all thought of things to South Sudan...sports unknown or unpopular in the new nation included.

Even Aussie rules folks want in...:lol:

http://aflafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/South-Sudan.jpg

Even Aussie rules folks want in...:lol:

http://aflafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/South-Sudan.jpg

Thats cool

Hey, i'd come over and start teaching it, if it got me back to Africa lol

Hey, i'd come over and start teaching it, if it got me back to Africa lol

Great quote isn't :doh:

Kick boxing comes to Juba

Saturday, 13 August 2011 16:41 Sport >>>

The Kick Boxing and Karate Association in the Ministry of Youth and Sport is set to launch kick boxing training in Juba to promote the development of martial arts in South Sudan.

Speaking to Radio Miraya, national trainer with the Association, Puro Okello Obob, said they have set operational goals to promote and develop the sport of kickboxing in south Sudan.

He urged men and women in South Sudan to get in the habit of developing sports skills in the country.

The Association invited participants from Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Cong, Ethiopia and Uganda to the official launching of a martial arts and kick boxing event to take place Saturday in Juba.

S. Sudan ready to participate in East Africa secondary Competitions

Saturday, 13 August 2011 15:07 Sport >>>

The 4th East Africa Secondary Schools Competitions will kick off at the end of August in Mbarari Eastern Uganda, according to the General Director for Co-curriculum in Ministry of Education, Mr Daffallah Deng Tiel. For the first time this year South Sudan will participate as independent country.

Deng told Radio Miraya that preparations, coaching and training of the teams is going well.

All those participating in the competitions will arrive in Juba on August 15 th for final preparations before the competitions begin.

S.South to participate in All-Africa Games in Maputo

Sunday, 14 August 2011 20:07 Sport >>>

The Caretaker Minister of Youth, Sports and Recreation, Makuac Teny, said South Sudan has been invited to participate in the All-Africa Games in Maputo, Mozambique this year.

Teny has called on the government to facilitate the selection of South Sudanese sportsmen and women to attend.

The 10th All-Africa Games will start on September 3rd and end 30th of September.
Miraya FM (http://www.radiomiraya.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6628:ssouth-to-participate-in-all-africa-games-in-maputo&catid=93&Itemid=314)

:banana:

Cecafa to plead South Sudan's case to FIFA


(Saturday, September 3 2011)-Zanzibar and South Sudan have applied to join the world soccer governing body Fifa.


And the Council of East and Central Africa Football Association is ready to help fast track their applications.


Although the country’s application has been rejected, the Zanzibar Football Association (ZFA) secretary general Mzee Zam Ali, has asked the Ministry of Information, Tourism, Culture and Sports to continue fighting for its membership jointly with the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF).


Fifa rejected Zanzibar’s application on the grounds that it lacked sovereignty.


“It’s true we have received official communication from Fifa secretary general notifying us of the collapse of our membership bid,” said Ali. “But this is not the end of the road as the ministry should strengthen co-operation with ZFA in search of the membership card from Fifa.”


In a letter, Fifa pointed out that Zanzibar was part of the United Republic of Tanzania and there was no way the body would allow the Isle’s membership. Zanzibar plays in the Cecafa tournaments but not in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and Fifa competitions.


While South Sudan’s application will definitely be endorsed, the country will have to wait two years before it can participate in international competitions.


Cecafa secretary general Nicholas Musonye, however, said the regional body will plead South Sudan’s case given the country was competing in international competitions before seceding from the larger Sudan.



“The rules are very clear; it takes two years for a new member to be accepted but we can always push for special dispensation,” said Musonye who is also awaiting for an application by South Sudan to become the 12th member of the regional body.
He said South Sudan is welcome to join the regional body.


“We are excited at the prospect of having a new member in our stable,” said Musonye.


Hassan Abu Jamal, the executive secretary general of the Sudan Football Association, sees soccer as a unifying factor and a vehicle to lift the people’s morale.


“The game will help build national identity in South Sudan, strengthen national unity and overcome ethnic tensions,” said Abu Jamal.


He said the country would also appreciate CAF and Fifa’s help in helping them grow as a nation in football.


“We know we will get that help; and if it means waiting two years before we can play in international competitions, we are ready,” said Abu Jamal.


But there are challenges South Sudan has to overcome as it moves to build the sport, with players who have over the years jointly represented the country in international competitions with those from Khartoum.

Link (http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/magazine/Cecafa+to+plead+Zanzibar++South+Sudan+cases+to+Fifa/-/434746/1229690/-/vc9bw4/-/)

South Sudan bags three silvers in the East African schools tournament


JUBA, 9 September 2011 – The Republic of South Sudan bagged three silver medals – one in basketball and two in athletics – at the East African Secondary Schools Association Games which closed over the weekend in Mbarara, Uganda.


In an exclusive interview with GOSS.ORG reporter the Deputy Director of Co-Curricular Activities in the Ministry of General Education and Instruction Mr Charles Sokivi Thomas lauded the performance taking into account that South Sudan is the youngest country in the bloc and has several challenges in sports.


Bentiu Secondary School won a silver medal in boys’ basketball and the other two in athletics.


Mr Sokivi explained that South Sudan, which is a member of the association, has been participating in the games since 2008. He said that each member must present at least four teams, both boys and girls, in the games to qualify as a member. He reported that South Sudan has met this threshold. Furthermore, he explained, that 2011 was the first time South Sudan presented a girls’ football team a development which he described as progressive.


He explained that South Sudan’s performance at the games has been improving since 2008. He said that it is the recognition of this improvement that South Sudan’s basketball team was selected to represent the federation in the inter-continental games in Ohio, USA held last month. He regretted, however, that the team could not travel owing to the Khartoum government’s reluctance to issue its members with the necessary travel documents.


Mr Sokivi explained that South Sudan would perform better if the various challenges school sports in the country faces were addressed. He cited lack of qualified coaches, inadequate sporting programmes, and inconsistency in training and practice as some of the challenges that schools face regarding sports. He emphasized the need to train sports trainers.


He also suggested that every school should have a sports teacher, current sports teachers and coaches should get access to refresher courses to update their skills, talent search scheme to identify and nurture youth talented in sports should be developed, executives in the central and state governments should support sports in their respective schools, awareness of the value of sports to the country and individuals should be created, and sports be mainstreamed in the schools curricula.

South Sudan joins Supreme Council for Sports in Africa.

Friday, 23 September 2011 21:01 Sport >>>

South Sudan has gained membership to the Supreme Council for Sports in Africa, according to the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Cirino Hiteng Ofuho.

Addressing a press conference in Juba on Friday, Hiteng explained that as a member of the Supreme Council of Sports in Africa, South Sudan qualifies to participate in all African and regional games.

Hiteng said the country is also in the process of applying for membership to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the World Football Governing Body (FIFA).

Link (http://www.radiomiraya.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6888:south-sudan-joins-supreme-council-for-sports-in-africa&catid=93&Itemid=314)

Sarah Chan

h3VfMTW9UAs

CAF President welcomes South Sudan delegation

http://www.cafonline.com/images/news/1316880291-a.jpg

(09-24-2011)The Confederation of African Football president Mr Issa Hayatou received a delegation from the world’s newest country, South Sudan on Saturday 24th September at his offices in Cairo. South Sudan became an independent state on the 09th of July 2011. Mr Duop Puoch Joak led the delegation that paid a courtesy call on CAF president. Also part of the visiting team were Mr Rodolf Andrea Ojika, Mr Yohanis Musa Pouk, Mr Andrea Abdalla Dimiti and Mr Sestilio Juba.

They discussed among other things the issue regarding South Sudan’s admission into the football family. Mr Rodolf Andrea Ojika said that
the South Sudan Football Association (SSFA) have experienced administrators and various facilities in place, and were excited to be at CAF Headquarters to request CAF for support towards their admission into the International Football family.

CAF president Mr Hayatou reiterated his pride and support to South Sudan, saying that CAF will assist South Sudan and the organisation will send a delegation to the country before the end of this year to assess the facilities on the ground and provide a report to the upcoming CAF General Assembly on February 10th 2012 in Libreville to allow its inclusion as the 54th member association of CAF, in line with articles 4 and 5 of the CAF Statutes. Upon approval of the General Assembly, CAF would then be in a position to submit to FIFA a report to request inclusion of SSFA into the worldwide football family.
CAF (http://www.cafonline.com/football/news/11500-s.html)

NBA Sports Envoy Dikembe Mutombo arrives in S.Sudan

Saturday, 22 October 2011 15:54 Sport >>>

The United States' National Basketball Association (NBA) sports envoy, Dikembe Mutombo, has arrived in Juba for a one week "sports diplomacy" tour.

According to a statement on the U.S. Department of State website, "Sports diplomacy embraces the use of a full range of diplomatic tools, including sports, to bring people together for greater understanding." Mutombo is a Congolese-American who played professional basketball in the United States. He is now retired.

On Saturday Mutombo presided over a basketball tournament between Uganda and South Sudan at Nimra Talata Basketball Court. He is slated to lead a series of basketball clinics and teambuilding exercises with young South Sudanese, and will also participate in a scholarship program that works to bridge barriers and provide gender equality in education for women and girls, as well as under-served boys.

Meanwhile, the Director General of Sports in the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Edward Settimo Yugu, called for continuous support for sports to develop the talents of South Sudanese.
Miraya FM (http://www.radiomiraya.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7067:nba-sports-envoy-dikembe-mutombo-arrives-in-ssudan-for-tournament&catid=93&Itemid=314)

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Adhar Mayen

WnycrdfzB7I

South Sudan to join African football body

JUBA, 29 October 2011 (NASS) – The Republic of South Sudan will join the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the association governing football on the continent, permanently by February 2012, Captain Duop Pouch Joak, the deputy chairperson of the South Sudan Football Association has announced.


Captain Joak made this announcement when he met Hon Dr Barnaba Marial Benjamin, the minister for Information and Broadcasting and Official Government Spokesman late last week. He urged the government to take sports seriously as a possible source of revenue.


“The government should not only consider petroleum as a source of income but also consider football as well because it can generate immense income besides uniting the nation in the fight against tribalism and negative ethnicity”, he said.


He also urged the government to develop sporting facilities such as stadia to enable the country to participate in international sporting events organized by international bodies such as FIFA. He expressed confidence that the Republic of South Sudan has the potential and experience to participate effectively in regional and international football. He also called on the government officers to support the development of sports in the country.


On his part, Dr Marial underscored the role of sports in promoting the image of nations worldwide. He cited the case of Kenya whose image has been enhanced by its athletes. He also expressed confidence that South Sudan has what it takes to curve a niche for itself in sports, including football.


“I know that in Europe the budget for sports is bigger than it is in Africa but I want to assure you that the government will support sports and the youth unreservedly”, he said.

Lakes State: 16 Teams Compete for Governors Tournament Trophy

Friday, 18 November 2011 09:40 Sport >>>

Sixteen teams are competing for a trophy in the Lakes State Governor’s tournament that kicked off on Wednesday in Rumbek town.

Ghazal team beat Bek team 3-0 in the opening group A.

The tournament was organized by the ministry of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports.

The Director General of the Ministry of information, culture, Youth and Sports, Madong William Madding said the tournament formed part of the state government’s pledge to support youth activities.

In basket ball, South Sudanese team Bilfam Warriors beat Uganda Champions 77 points to 70 in a game that was played at the YMCA courts in Kampala on Wednesday.

Miraya’s, Samuel Pawon reported on Thursday that the team that qualifies in the first round of the competition will travel to Nairobi Kenya for the second round of the Peace and Unity championship.

Miraya Fm (http://www.radiomiraya.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7250:16-teams-compete-for-governors-tournament-trophy&catid=93&Itemid=314)

^^

South Sudan Basketball Team Qualifies for Round two

Sunday, 20 November 2011 23:25 Sport >>>

Sudan's basketball club, the Bilpham Warriors, have qualified for the second round of the Peace and Unity championship.

Bilpham Warriors topped group A on Saturday, after Uganda’s Ndejje University basketball club failed to turn up for the match in Kampala.

Radio Miraya's sports reporter in Kampala says it’s not clear why Ndejje basketball club did not turn up for the match at the YMCA basketball court in Kampala.

On Monday, Bilpham basketball club will travel to Nairobi for the second round of Peace and Unity basketball championship.

Miraya FM (http://www.radiomiraya.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7268:south-sudan-basketball-team-qualifies-for-round-two-&catid=93&Itemid=314)

^^ :cheers:

Western Equatoria:Yambio County wins WES Governor’s tournament

Monday, 07 November 2011 12:47 Sport >>>

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Yambio County has emerged victor of the Western Equatoria State Governor’s Football Tournament.

Yambio beat Iba County five goals to two, to win the cup in a match that was played at Bude Stadium on Saturday.

Top scorers for Yambio were John Matior, who scored two goals in the first half, and John-D who score the three goals in the second half of the match.

The Minister of Youth, Culture, and Sports, Cirino Hiteng, said that he was optimistic that the Western Equatoria State will contribute a great deal of talent to the South Sudan national football team.

(Miraya Fm)

Angelo Chol

hOupj2xoqTc

Chicago Bulls’ star Luol Deng speaks of ‘joy’ he feels now that his homeland, South Sudan, is free

http://media.thestar.topscms.com/images/a6/96/9ddc3af24caf9e174dd8d7b99dc6.jpeg
Chicago Bulls' basketball forward Luol Deng holds up his team's jersey in London in this file photo - he's become the face of basketball in Britain, wehre he spent part of his childhood.
Joel Ryan/AP Phot

CHICAGO—The words appeared on Luol Deng’s Twitter feed at 4:05 p.m. on Nov. 16.

“Eating outside by the Nile River is so peaceful.”

Deng sat there, on the outskirts of Juba, South Sudan, dining with his father, brother and best friend. The sun warmed. The wind calmed. Eventually, his friend, Adam Andre, even jumped in the river. Deng teased him about getting eaten by alligators.

But no. On this day, four months into South Sudan’s remarkable independence, with four of Deng’s eight siblings and his parents having returned home for good, only peaceful moments prevailed.

It’s not unlike the contentment Deng has found in his professional life. Once maligned by Bulls fans for being overpaid and physically and mentally brittle, Deng has become coach Tom Thibodeau’s indispensable part, as reliable and relentless as the mighty Nile’s current.

“He’s relaxed because he knows that everything is cool now,” says Andre, who has known Deng since they attended a New Jersey boarding school together 12 years ago. “There’s peace in South Sudan.”

Deng’s father, Aldo, served as Sudan’s minister of transportation as civil war raged. The family left for Egypt when Luol was 5, eventually landing outside London when England granted Aldo political asylum in 1993.

Deng spent six years in England, left for New Jersey’s Blair Academy at 14 and earned a basketball scholarship at Duke University. After one sparkling season, the Bulls acquired his draft rights in a trade with the Phoenix Suns on June 24, 2004.

Close to eight years later, Deng has matured on and off the court.

“He’s a very nuanced person, a very proud Sudanese,” says assistant coach Ron Adams, who coached Deng as a rookie and returned again last season. “He has a world view. He’s a very giving and aware human being. I love his ability to focus on what is important in life.”

Deng proudly has become the face of basketball in Britain. He takes seriously that responsibility and looks to this summer’s Olympic Games in London as a chance to pay a small debt back to the country that welcomed his family as it escaped the horrors at home.

However, when he, his family and Andre celebrated South Sudan’s independence July 9 along with a crowd estimated at 1 million, the moment overwhelmed Deng.

“Man, it’s unbelievable,” Deng says. “Everywhere I went — London, Jersey, Duke, here — I was that kid from another country. When I go to Sudan now, it’s not that. I’m just home. I’m no longer an outsider or a refugee. I just fit in. It gives me a feeling of peace.”

Deng had been active in the independence movement. Last January, he paid for two charter buses to bring hundreds of Sudanese down from Michigan to vote absentee on the referendum for South Sudan to separate. The 22-year civil war ended in 2005.

Deng needed several seconds — but only one word — to describe how he felt when the referendum passed in February, 2011.

“Joy,” he says.

Deng had returned home in 2010 for the first time since fleeing 20 years before to perform fundraising and community service work for the UN Refugee Agency, one of the many worldly causes he supports. There was one personal benefit to the NBA lockout: Deng travelled to South Sudan for the independence celebration in July and again in November.

“If you go to South Sudan,” Deng says, chuckling, “whoever you meet is probably related to me.”

Though Deng obviously attracts widespread attention on his visits home, Andre insists the quieter moments are equally powerful.

“When we first went back, his mother, Martha, gave me a hug and it was like she was a whole new woman,” he says. “Her face is lit up there. She’s happy and with friends. Lu feeds off that. Him seeing his parents happy and at peace has totally changed him. When we’re there, he’s always smiling, never worried.”

Deng’s first trip home came one month after the Bulls hired Thibodeau.

“He called me right away and told me he had watched every game of mine from the previous season and appreciated how hard I play,” Deng says. “And I appreciated that he saw that. He didn’t call me and talk about scoring or certain moves. He just talked about how hard I play and he wanted me to continue playing that way.”

Deng did, playing all 82 games for the second time in his seven seasons and drawing new notice as an elite defender. But coaches recognized another new wrinkle. Once moody and thin-skinned, an edgier, more confident player emerged.

“I’m not as sensitive,” Deng says. “Ron Adams would tell you that. I was 19 when I came in. As a young player, you focus so much on doing well yourself. Now I’m just focused on winning and the team. And I end up doing the little things and playing better anyway. And I feel so much better doing that.”

Deng is off to another strong start this season. His parents follow his career from South Sudan. Deng talks about the sacrifices they made for him and his siblings. Then he laughs as he says his father remains more interested in Deng’s academic and charitable accomplishments than his athletic ones.

“That day, seeing my parents,” Deng says of South Sudan’s independence, “it’s something I’ll never forget. This is definitely the happiest I’ve been in my life.”

Link (http://www.thestar.com/sports/basketball/article/1113340--chicago-bulls-star-luol-deng-speaks-of-joy-he-feels-now-that-his-homeland-south-sudan-is-free)

South Sudan VS Uganda: Friendly

05 February 2012, 15:37

Uganda Cranes will face South Sudan on February 16 after the world’s newest nation confirmed the international friendly.

Bobby Williamson’s side play Congo Brazzaville in the first round of the 2013 Nations Cup qualifiers on Fifa dates February 28-29.

The friendly against South Sudan will help Bobby have a closer look at local-based players to which point he has summoned 23 of them.

The summoned players start training on Monday in preparation for this game.

“More players could be added or some could be removed,” said Bobby.

Supersport (http://www.supersport.com/football/uganda/news/120205/Cranes_land_South_Sudan_friendly)

South Sudan VS Uganda: Friendly

05 February 2012, 15:37

Uganda Cranes will face South Sudan on February 16 after the world’s newest nation confirmed the international friendly.

Bobby Williamson’s side play Congo Brazzaville in the first round of the 2013 Nations Cup qualifiers on Fifa dates February 28-29.

The friendly against South Sudan will help Bobby have a closer look at local-based players to which point he has summoned 23 of them.

The summoned players start training on Monday in preparation for this game.

“More players could be added or some could be removed,” said Bobby.

Supersport (http://www.supersport.com/football/uganda/news/120205/Cranes_land_South_Sudan_friendly)

hope to see this we are using are our second team for this game . this will be good for south sudan .

^^ Well, that's generous of you:lol:. That said, the current squad isn't near the best that South Sudan can offer either....Hope it will be a worthy match.:cheers:

South Sudan on road to joining world football

Wed Feb 8, 2012 1:39pm GMT

By Mark Gleeson LIBREVILLE (Reuters) - South Sudan will become a provisional member of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Friday, the first step to becoming the world's newest footballing nation.

But the country, which broke away from Sudan and was declared independent in July last year, will need another two years before it can compete fully in all competitions, CAF general secretary Hicham El Amrani told Reuters on Wednesday.

South Sudan will be inaugurated in a flag-raising ceremony at the CAF Congress in Libreville on Friday and become eligible for immediate financial assistance from African football's governing body.

A new South Sudan Football Association was established last month and a first election for leaders will be held in April.

Full membership of soccer's world governing body FIFA, which already has 208 members, will be granted in 2014 after which South Sudan can play in the World Cup and African Nations Cup and enter teams in Africa's two annual club competitions.

In the meantime CAF will seek to provide assistance with the development of administrators, referees, coaches and sports medicine specialists, plus the establishment of a national league. "We are very keen to help get them on their feet," El Amrani said.

Link (http://af.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idAFJOE81707320120208?feedType=RSS&feedName=sportsNews)

^^ Another two years? Anyways, hope we get our act together during that time and enter with a bang when the time comes.

^^ Another two years? Anyways, hope we get our act together during that time and enter with a bang when the time comes.

^^ :cheers:

Although putting a good soccer team together can be a bit expensive. I hope they get well funded so they can compete on a level playing field with their better funded neighbors.

^^ Well, that's generous of you:lol:. That said, the current squad isn't near the best that South Sudan can offer either....Hope it will be a worthy match.:cheers:

lol i know . our national coach wants to use this game to identify so good home based players who could join the cranes team . i hope the Juba stadium is in good condition didn't it get renovated recently ?

Hey U.g boy i noticed you only comment to the South Sudan threads do you got anything against Sudanese or what ?

^^ :cheers:

Although putting a good soccer team together can be a bit expensive. I hope they get well funded so they can compete on a level playing field with their better funded neighbors.

Sure...

lol i know . our national coach wants to use this game to identify so good home based players who could join the cranes team . i hope the Juba stadium is in good condition didn't it get renovated recently ?

Yes, it got a face lift during the time leading to independence festivities.

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/270287_10150254643724628_559509627_7175435_6020393_n.jpg

Hey U.g boy i noticed you only comment to the South Sudan threads do you got anything against Sudanese or what ?

And you wonder why it's quite around here:nuts: @gaga stop harassing people, not everyone comment for the sake of it. Interest matters! Give them reason to post on your threads....It's that simple.

Hey U.g boy i noticed you only comment to the South Sudan threads do you got anything against Sudanese or what ?

nah but my family is acholi from north uganda(gulu) so i naturally am more interested in developments in South Sudan .juba and gulu are trade partners developing each other. I haven't got anything against any country or its people .

And you wonder why it's quite around here:nuts: @gaga stop harassing people, not everyone comment for the sake of it. Interest matters! Give them reason to post on your threads....It's that simple.

Whatever.....:sleepy:

nah but my family is acholi from north uganda(gulu) so i naturally am more interested in developments in South Sudan .juba and gulu are trade partners developing each other. I haven't got anything against any country or its people .

Then why dont you visit the North Sudanese threads:colbert:

Then why dont you visit the North Sudanese threads:colbert:

i visit them i just dont have anything specific to post on them .:)

i visit them i just dont have anything specific to post on them .:)

Ok sorry for being an intruder :ohno:

South Sudan Joins African Football Family

10 February 2012

South Sudan has become the latest National Association of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) taking the membership of the continent's soccer governing body to 54. The South Sudan Football Association (SSFA) was unanimously admitted during the 34th CAF Ordinary General Assembly held on Thursday in Libreville, Gabon.

CAF President Issa Hayatou explained that the admission of the SSFA has become necessary following the recognition of the nation by international organisations and. Earlier CAF General Secretary Hicham El-Amrani said the admission of the world's newest nation comes in the wake of the SSFA's compliance with the statutes of the Confederation despite its short tenure of existence.

He said the SSFA and the Government of South Sudan has shown commitment to the respect of the CAF Statute and the provision of infrastructure for the development and promotion of the sport. South Sudan's Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Dr. Cirino Iteng Ofuho presented a flag of the country to CAF President Hayatou to symbolize their formal entry into the African football, whilst Hayatou reciprocated with the CAF flag.

Oliver Mori Benjamin, President of the SSFA expressed gratitude to the assembly for the unanimous support on their admission into the African football family. "It is a great moment that the newest nation has been admitted into CAF. Today marks eight months since the birth of the country and 10 months of existence of the provisional SSFA.

"We thank CAF and FIFA for sending a delegation to inspect our facilities when we made our intentions. We pledge to help promote football in Africa without recourse to the reverse gear. Our government is very committed to the developing football and sports in general ,sports," said Benjamin.

INTERVIEW-Olympics-South Sudan race to compete at London Games


Fri Feb 10, 2012 3:35pm EST

Declared independent last July, South Sudan also wants to send a wheelchair basketball team, made up of amputees injured in the conflict in the country, to the Paralympics, Cirino Hiteng Ofuho told Reuters in an interview.

"Right now we are discussing with the IOC (International Olympic Committee) to see if we can raise our flag in London. I believe there is enough time for us to be there, not only to raise our flag but to also have some athletes participate."

This year's Olympics start on July 27 and run until Aug. 12 while the Paralympics take place from Aug. 29 to Sept. 9.

"We are focusing on the Paralympics where our disabled basketballers are every good. I really believe they can entertain the people in London," said Ofuho.

"We may also field some long distance runners. We have the right terrain to train our talent for this sport."

South Sudan, which broke away from Sudan after a referendum on independence last year, satisfies Olympic requirements because it is a member of the United Nations but it still needs approval from the IOC executive board.

"Our associations are working very hard to gain their membership and to fulfil the requirements of the International Olympic Committee to admit South Sudan in London," said Ofuho.

"It's a race against time but there's a lot of goodwill. Right from our independence we have been admitted to a lot of international institutions and we hope that the IOC will afford us the same privilege."

PROVISIONAL MEMBER

On Friday, South Sudan were admitted as a provisional member of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in an emotive flag-raising ceremony at the congress in Libreville, Gabon.

They were warned it could take up to two more years to gain full membership of soccer's world governing body but FIFA officials told Reuters they may now seek to make South Sudan their 209th member at their Congress in Budapest in May.

"We are so excited to be here in Libreville following the admission of South Sudan to the family of African football. We are looking forward to developing sports in our country," said Ofuho.

"We know we need a lot of facilities and we face a lot of challenges but we are to focus on football, basketball, handball, athletics and other sports that can help us to succeed regionally, continentally and even internationally."

Reuters (http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/10/olympics-south-sudan-idUSB12555320120210)

PROVISIONAL MEMBER

On Friday, South Sudan were admitted as a provisional member of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in an emotive flag-raising ceremony at the congress in Libreville, Gabon.

They were warned it could take up to two more years to gain full membership of soccer's world governing body but FIFA officials told Reuters they may now seek to make South Sudan their 209th member at their Congress in Budapest in May.

"We are so excited to be here in Libreville following the admission of South Sudan to the family of African football. We are looking forward to developing sports in our country," said Ofuho.

"We know we need a lot of facilities and we face a lot of challenges but we are to focus on football, basketball, handball, athletics and other sports that can help us to succeed regionally, continentally and even internationally."

Reuters (http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/10/olympics-south-sudan-idUSB12555320120210)

:banana:

S.Sudan football association gets new board

Tuesday, 01 May 2012 09:02 Muna Tesfai Sport >>>


The general assembly of the South Sudan Football Association has elected a new board of directors.The directors were elected in the presence of representatives from the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) and world football governing body - FIFA.

http://www.mirayafm.org/images/stories/webphoto/flags_logos/Sport.JPG

Shibour Weaje Ali was elected President with twenty seven votes out of thirty seven, while Youhanis Mussa Fouk was elected vice president. Speaking to Radio Miraya the new elected president said he would work with the new board to promote football in South Sudan.

Meanwhile CAF representative and CECAFA president Lodgard Tiga said the future of football in South Sudan is bright.

He invited South Sudan to participate in the upcoming CECAFA championships that will be hosted by Tanzania next month.

Miraya FM (http://www.mirayafm.org/index.php/sport-news/8378-ssfa-gets-new-board-of-directors)

CAF President Hayatou congratulates pioneer South Sudan FA President

The President of the Confederation of African Football Caf, Issa Hayatou has congratulated the newly elected President and executive committee of the South Sudan FA.

The pioneer President, Chabur Gor Alei elected alongside his executive on April 30 during an Elective General Assembly.


The CAF President has praised this recent development at the body which is a vital step in the country’s football after recently being admitted into the Caf family.


“CAF Executive Committee and the entire football family send warmest congratulations to you and the newly elected SSFA Executive Board. CAF is confident that your expertise and leadership will greatly benefit South Sudanese football. CAF is delighted as well that all actors of South Sudan football came together on this historic event,” Hayatou said in a message.


South Sudan was formally accepted into the CAF family at the Ordinary General Assembly held on 10th February 2012 in Libreville, Gabon.

Link (http://www.starafrica.com/en/football/news/article/view/caf-president-hayatou-congratulates-pion-231151.html)

Cecafa welcomes South Sudan

By Collins Okinyo | 09 May 2012

South Sudan has become the 13th member of the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (Cecafa).

Consequently, Africa’s newest state will be eligible to compete in all regional competitions sanctioned by Cecafa.

South Sudan were recently declared a republic following a peaceful referendum that separated them from Sudan.

"We are happy to officially welcome South Sudan to the Cecafa family and now they are eligible to participate in all organised Cecafa competition henceforth."

"As Cecafa we are very happy to have another member to join our expanding family and we know this will be an added advantage and will bring more competition in regional tournaments organised by us," Secretary General Nicholas Musonye told SuperSport.com.

South Sudan will now participate in the under 17 tourney, Kagame Cup and the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup which are held annually.

Link (http://www.supersport.com/football/kenya/news/120509/Cecafa_welcomes_South_Sudan)

^^ :cheers:

James Moga to Pune FC

Sunday, May 13th, 2012 |

Sporting Club's South Sudan striker James Moga who scored 10 goals for Flaming Oranje this season is all set to make a move to Pune FC after the red lizards approached him following the reported departure of Keita, their leading striker this season.

Indian football transfers (http://www.thehardtackle.com/2012/indian-football-transfers-live-updates-may-13th/)

How many clubs are there in South Sudan's Championship ?

^^ I don't know the exact number. I think there are around ten first division teams. However, the championship also includes second division teams...which number, I don't know.

Al-Salam FC to represent South Sudan in CECAFA

Sunday, 13 May 2012 03:37 Lagu Francis Sport >>>


south sudan unAl-Salam Football Club of Wau, Western Bahr al Ghazal State has been chosen to represent South Sudan in the Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) tournament.

The tournament is scheduled to take place in June in the Kenyan capital city, Nairobi.

Speaking to Radio Miraya on Saturday, the Vice President of South Sudan Football Association (SSFA) Yuhanis Mussa said Al-Salam was chosen because they were the champions of South Sudan's tournament of 2011.

"The Emergency Committee held an annual meeting and we chose Al- Salam Wau Club as our representative to CECAFA tournament," said Musa.

"The committee chose Emanuel Paulino Alexander as the head of delegation".

Musa said SSFA will support Al-Salam by providing the team with all the necessary requirements. "We will support Al-Salam Wau club with all the sports equipment and the preparation of the team".

Al Salaam Football club becomes the first football club to represent South Sudan at an International tournament since its secession from the north in July last year.

Miraya FM (http://www.mirayafm.org/index.php/sport-news/8471-al-salam-fc-to-represent-south-sudan-in-cecafa-)

South Sudan joins Fifa 10 months after independence

News Date: 25th May 2012


South Sudan has become the 209th member of football's world governing body Fifa. The African country was voted into full membership by delegates at Fifa's annual congress in the Hungarian capital Budapest.

http://www.businessghana.com/portal/sports/showimage.php?id=29998&image=bigimage

Having gained independence last July, South Sudan joined the Confederation of African Football (Caf) in February.

The team will now be eligible to play in the qualifiers for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations and 2018 World Cup.

"I want to assure you that we are going to follow the statutes and regulations of Fifa and obey the law of our good game," said South Sudan FA president Oliver Mori Benjamin in an acceptance speech.

"In particular, we are still suffering from war, so we promise that we will develop football to fight against war, hunger and poverty.

"I want to assure you that in my state in South Sudan, Abyei, we are still in a war zone but I promise in a few days, we are going to raise the flag of Fifa in Abyei for the good of our people."

South Sudan and Sudan have been blighted by conflict in recent times, with peace talks between the two nations due to resume next week after several border skirmishes and bombardments.

Benjamin also thanked Issa Hayatou, the Caf president, for South Sudan's rapid rise into the global football family.

"I want to thanks the president of Caf for our admission to Caf in Gabon [in February] - we are really so happy and satisfied under your leadership in Africa.

"I would like to thank the Sudan national association for football for your fruitful co-operation and for your acceptance of our membership in Caf."
South Sudan has been able to join Fifa just 10 months after independence thanks to a change in the body's statutes.

Previously, any new state had to be a member of its confederation for two years before being eligible to join Fifa.

South Sudan's FA had previously been told that the earliest it could become a Fifa member was 2014.

But delegates gave a 98 per cent "yes" vote to the proposal to admit the South Sudanese in Budapest on Friday.

In a friendly game organised as part of the independence day celebrations in July 2011, a South Sudan side lost 3-1 to Kenyan team Tusker FC.

Link (http://www.businessghana.com/portal/sports/news.php?op=getNews&id=29998&news_cat_id=2)

^^ :cheers: Great work by Mr. Oliver and the team.....:applause:

HzDEYfxn2KY

South Sudan to play friendly match with Gabon

By: Muna Tesfai | Monday, 28 May 2012

South Sudan Football Association (SSFA) said that Gabon Football Association has invited South Sudan for a friendly match.

Speaking to journalists at Juba international air-port on Sunday upon his arrival from the Budapest FIFA conference, the president of SSFA, Chabur Goc Alei, said the association will also arrange friendly matches with other neighboring countries.

"We will participate in CECAFA under 17's and we are going also to arrange for friendly matches between Uganda, Kenya and other neighbouring countries" Alei said

"...Gabon Football Federation (GFF) offered to assist us and we are going to play a friendly match and GFF will provide us with all equipment."

Goc said FIFA pledged to support SSFA with financial assistance to develop football in the country.

Meanwhile the Minister of Youth, Culture and Heritage, Cirino Hiteng, said that South Sudan is recognized worldwide and can play at regional and international level.

Hiteng confirmed his commitment to work together with the new association to meet the international football standard.

Miraya FM (http://www.mirayafm.org/index.php/sport-news/8583-ssfa-to-play-match-with-gabon)

HzDEYfxn2KY

:cheers::cheers::cheers:

Uganda to share Olympic experience with South Sudan

Muna Tesfai | Thursday, 07 June 2012

OlympicThe secretary general of the Uganda Olympic Committee, Peninah Kabenge has arrived in Juba.

http://www.mirayafm.org/images/stories/webphoto/medical/Olympic.jpg

Kabenge flew in on Thursday to hold a series of meetings with sports officials in the country and also meet with representatives from local sporting associations. Speaking to Radio Miraya at Juba international airport upon arrival, she said her visit to South Sudan is to share her country's Olympic experience and find ways in which the two countries can corporate in the field of sports.

Miraya FM (http://www.mirayafm.org/index.php/sport-news/8663-uganda-to-share-olympic-experience-with-south-sudan)

NU lands big man from South Sudan, reportedly Luol Deng's cousin

By Teddy Greenstein | June 15, 2012

Northwestern has secured an oral commitment from an intriguing player, 7-foot-2 center Chier Ajou who reportedly is a first cousin of Bulls forward Luol Deng.

http://photos.indystar.com/photos/2010/12/11/436101/immersive.jpg

A source confirmed Ajou has been admitted to Northwestern but the NCAA has yet to rule on his eligibility. Ajou moved from South Sudan to the U.S. in December 2008, making the early years of his transcript a challenge to interpret.

If he is ineligible as a freshman, he is slated to redshirt.

Before offering its final spot to Ajou, Northwestern tried to get talented guard Mislav Brzoja into school. But despite his earning a 4.0 grade-point average as a senior at Traders Point Christian Academy, he was turned away because of his standardized test score and/or a spotty academic record in his native Croatia.

Ajou gave New Mexico coach Steve Alford an oral commitment in the fall of 2010.

The source said he was not certain why Ajou re-opened his recruitment but that he "absolutely" could handle the rigors of Big Ten basketball next season.

ESPN.com wrote of his strengths: "This extra long and lean center is very raw but tough to deal with when he is active and aggressively patrolling the lane. He is a shot changer and blocker on or away from the ball because of his great length and ability to cover ground very quickly."

And his weaknesses: "He needs to improve his strength and hands but he can finish above the rim with a clear path from offensive glass put-backs or drop-off passes. Ajou is a work in progress but has great upside and will always be a factor when he is in the game due to his size and mobility."

Northwestern had a horrendous minus-6.6 rebounding margin last season. The next worst Big Ten team, Nebraska, was at minus-1.

By adding TCU transfer Nikola Cerina, freshman Alex Olah and possibly Ajou, the Wildcats are poised to own the glass. At least on some nights.

Ajou grew up in South Sudan, not far from the deadly conflict in Darfur. He reportedly attended the Culver Military Academy in Indiana in 2010-2011 before completing a post-graduate year at St. Thomas More School, in Oakdale, Conn.

Basketball coach Jere Quinn told the Norwich (Conn.) Bulletin: "He's a kid that's difficult not to love. He's a poster child for overcoming an extremely challenging and difficult childhood. But yet, he has remained positive all the time. He really endears himself to people."

Link (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/chi-nu-lands-big-man-from-south-sudan-reportedly-loul-dengs-cousin-20120615,0,191783.story)

21km 'marathon' is organized for Independence day

Muna Tesfai | Friday, 15 June 2012

South Sudan Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports is organizing a 'marathon' as part of activities to celebrate the country's first Independence. The marathon will be held in Juba, on the 7th of July – two days ahead of Independence.

http://www.mirayafm.org/images/stories/webphoto/people/Minister_of_Culture_and_Youth_2.jpg

The race will cover 21km for professional runners, 10 km and 5km for juniors.

The minister of culture, youth and sports, Cirino Hiteng Ofuho, explained to journalists that the Ministry has organised other sport events to mark Independence.

"During the first anniversary of our independence we will have a Juba marathon on 7th July and on the 8th July we will have the basketball finals and on the 10th we will have a football match".

Annie Mungoma, from United Agency Limited is the event coordinator. She explains that the objective of the marathon is to celebrate Independence as well as identify talents in South Sudan.

"We are looking at developing talents in South Sudan because we know athletics is one of the most popular sports all over the world, and we want to develop athletics in South Sudan, by identifying good runners and marathon runners."

Miraya FM (http://www.mirayafm.org/index.php/sport-news/8718-21km-marathon-is-organized-for-independence-day)

South Sudan set for international debuts at Cecafa cups

By Emmanuel Muga BBC News, Dar es Salaam

South Sudan will make its international debut at this year's East and Central African regional championship, the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup.

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60996000/jpg/_60996934_south_sudan_fans_gtty.jpg

Before that the world's newest country will send a side to next month's East and Central Africa Club championship in Dar es Salaam, according to Nicolas Musonye, the secretary general of the regional governing body.

"They have confirmed their participation; they will send a team called Wau Salaam FC," Musonye told BBC sport.

"We are glad to welcome them as our new members and they have also assured us that their national team will participate in this year's Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup as well."

South Sudan, which only became a member of football's world governing body - Fifa - last month, already has its own league.

Their national side will be made up of players from both the local league and the one in neighbouring Sudan.

This year's club championship will kick off on 14 July in Dar es Salaam and will be sponsored by Rwanda President Paul Kagame for a 10th year.

Under Kagame's sponsorship, the prize money for the event totals US$600,000.

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18504126)

First South Sudanese football player signs contract in Khartoum

By Hassan Farouk | 18.06.2012

KHARTOUM - For the first time since South Sudan’s independence, a South Sudanese player signed a deal with a football team in Sudan.

http://www.theniles.org/media/articles/06_06_2012_Thomas_Atir_Omar_Jedou_Al_Sahifa.jpg
Signature ceremony of Atir Thomas’ transfer to Al-Ahly al-Khartoum Club at the offices of the Football Association June 6, in Khartoum.
© Al-Sahifa | Omar Jaddo

On June 6, the offices of the Sudan Football Association witnessed the first transfer of a player from South Sudan to Sudan. Al-Ahly Club has managed to sign a contract with player Atir Thomas as the first foreign player.

Before joining in as a foreign player, Atir Thomas was a famous player in Sudan with his former club, al-Hilal. He was a major asset in the national team.

Following the signing ceremony, Atir Thomas made press statements, in which he said he came from Juba to Khartoum at the request of Sudan’s al-Hilal Club, but due to jammed transfers, he couldn’t sign with the Club.

“An agreement has been reached between me and Al-Hilal Club officials to join the team during the major transfer season in December.” Atir explains, “for this reason I have decided to join the Khartoum al-Ahly Club for a six months term”.

Meanwhile, the player praised his new club, affirming that it is a big club and has a number of high caliber players.

The Nile (http://www.theniles.org/articles/?id=1238)

South Sudan to debut against Cranes

20 June 2012, 18:00

South Sudan will play their first official match against Uganda on July 10, nearly two months after they joined FIFA on May 25.

The South Sudan Football Association announced the friendly match on Wednesday, which will also coincide with the first independence anniversary of the east-central African nation.

South Sudan was admitted as FIFA’s 209th member during the 62nd edition FIFA Congress held in Budapest, Hungary last month.

It also became a CAF member in February this year. The South Sudan Football Association is chaired by Mr Chabur Goc Alei

SuperSport (http://www.supersport.com/football/ghana/news/120620/South_Sudan_debut_against_Cranes)

CECAFA confirms twelve clubs for club championships

http://www.kawowo.com/images/kawowo/Cecafa_2012.jpg

Council for East and Central African Football Association (CECAFA) secretariat has so recieved confirmation from twelve clubs for participation in this year's club champions in Tanzania. The tournament that is set to be played between 14th July - 28th July in Dar Salam attracts league champions from the region. Hosts Tanzania will be represented by three clubs that is defending champions Yanga FC, Simba SC and debuntants Azam FC. For the first time in history , newly created nation South Sudan will also be represented at the tournament by Wau Salam FC. Other clubs that have confirmed participation include URA FC from Uganda, Rwanda's APR, 2008 Champions Tusker FC, Mafunzo FC of Zanzibar, Atletico FC from Burundi, perenial participants Elman of Somalia and Ports FC of Djibouti. Only Sudan (northern) is yet to confirm a club representative amongst the nations in the region but there is still hope giants El merrick or Al Hilal will take part. The championship is sponsored by Rwanda president Paul Kagame who has invested $ 60,000 as prize money to be shared amongst the top three performers with winner bagging $ 30,000, runner up $ 20,000 while the third team bags $ 10,000. The games will shown live on Supersport.

Link (http://www.kawowo.com/index.php/football/1498-cecafa-confirms-clubs-for-championship.html)

PFC ready to unleash Moga

Posted: Jun 24, 2012 at 0105 hrs IST

Pune Continuing with the trend of bringing in world-class players, PFC has roped in 29-year-old James Moga, who will fill in the void created by the departure of Guinean Mandjou Keita. The Nimule-born striker will team up with PFC for the 2012-13 season after he parted ways with Sporting Clube de Goa. He represented the Goan side with flair last season, netting 15 goals in 19 I-League appearances and ending as the fourth top-scorer of the league.

At 6’2”, Moga is the tallest striker to be signed by the club since the Elite League in 2009-10. Chirag Tanna, PFC head of operations, said, “We are delighted to rope in James and he is crucial to our future plans. He is a world-class player, a good finisher and a proven performer at club and international level. He is a strong player and will provide us with good attacking options.”

His penchant for scoring regularly is an asset to every team he has played for in the past.

Tanna added “We are happy to have him in our midst and are hopeful that James would continue his form with PFC.” Apart from an impressive club career, Moga has made 14 appearances (only World Cup qualifiers) for Sudan, where he scored three goals since making his debut as a 17-year-old in 2000.

Moga, at PFC, joins India Under-22 skipper Jeje Lalpekhlua, Singam Subash Singh and Jeh Williamson and forms a four-man strike-force for coach Derrick Pereira.

The South Sudan striker is currently with the national team camp in the capital city of Juba preparing for a friendly against Uganda on July 10. Having signed the deal, Moga said, “signed for PFC as it is a big team and Pune is a good place to stay in India, especially for my family.”

More Here (http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/pfc-ready-to-unleash-moga/966032/)

^^ This is not just good for Moga only, it's also great for South Sudan football. :cheers:

Djordjevic to coach South Sudan

24 June 2012

Zoran Djordjevic is the first coach of the newly independent South Sudan.

http://www.borglobe.com/uploaded/images/193841hp2.jpg

Djordjevic, who was in charge of the Philippines Under-23 side, will have his first major task in a friendly against Uganda on July 10.

Speaking to Goal.com, Mirko Djordjevic, a son of the 60-year-old coach, who is the agent who arranged the contract, said he looked forward to 'providing opportunities for talented South Sudanese players to play for clubs in Europe'.

"This is a great opportunity for all the players just as I did for James Moga when I arranged his transfer to the I-League where he became one of the top three strikers in India," he said.

South Sudan are the newest members of world football governing body, FIFA, and will be eligible to play in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2018 World Cup qualifying fixtures.

Soccerway (http://www.soccerway.com/news/2012/June/24/djordjevic-to-coach-south-sudan/)

Alei: South Sudan are not starting from scratch

(FIFA World) Tuesday 26 June 2012

Founded in February and already now looking forward to its first international friendly, the South Sudan Football Association has certainly hit the ground running. Shortly after the association’s admission as FIFA’s 209th member, FIFA World caught up with SSFA President Chabur Goc Alei to ask him about the significance of joining FIFA and his association’s plans for the future.

FIFA World: Congratulations on your admission into FIFA. What does this mean for the South Sudan Football Association?

Chabur Goc Alei: Being a member of FIFA means that South Sudan is now part of the international football community and ready to participate in all the issues facing football. We know that we are going to face a lot of challenges to develop football in South Sudan, especially due to the ongoing conflict with the north, but that just makes us all the more committed to working together with all associations and using football in the fight against hunger, poverty and war.

Setting up a new association is a challenge at the best of times, so what has it been like to do so against the backdrop of the general political situation between South Sudan and Sudan?

Well, there have been some difficulties of course, and there still are, but we are working hard together with the Sudan FA, with whom we have a good relationship. We know that politically things are not ok between our two countries, but they are ok when it comes to the area of football.

How are things looking in terms of your senior national team?

We are not starting from scratch when it comes to the senior team because we already have clubs in South Sudan who were playing in Sudan’s Premier League before we gained independence, so we have some experienced players based in the south. But it’s true that the general standard of the clubs is higher in the north, and we still have about 100 players based in the north who want to play for South Sudan while remaining with their club sides in Sudan. Right now, it’s difficult for those players to travel to the south, but this is something we are addressing with our government and with the Sudan Football Association.

What else is on the agenda for the coming months?

We’ve already had a lot of discussions with FIFA and our government about how best to develop the game in general, and our main priority will be setting up our own Premier League and applying for development projects to help fund academies and improve stadiums. We will have a club team taking part in June’s CECAFA tournament (for countries from East and Central Africa) and will also be looking to have a strong national side in place in time for the qualifiers for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. Another key date will be in July, when we have invited Uganda to play a friendly against us in our capital, Juba. Our first official international match should therefore coincide with the first anniversary of our independence, which shows how far we’ve come in football terms in just one year.

FIFA (http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=ssd/news/newsid=1655706/)

South Sudan national side training at Juba University playing ground...

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/562953_436393653059454_1526657679_n.jpg
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/562953_436393656392787_951922881_n.jpg
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/562953_436393659726120_1123886381_n.jpg

More of national team training....

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/562953_436393663059453_715462306_n.jpg
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/532410_436875309677955_956077320_n.jpg
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/532410_436875256344627_1086978767_n.jpg

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/528110_436392723059547_1226661748_n.jpg

Left to right: Malek Atak (AL- Nsoor, Sudan) and khamis Martin (AL- Mourada, Sudan)

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/528110_436392736392879_155594716_n.jpg

Jimmy Mandela (AL - Nsoor, Sudan)

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/528110_436392739726212_1165758700_n.jpg

Roy Gatlwack (Khartoum Club, Sudan)

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/532410_436875269677959_1163255684_n.jpg

Richard Justin (Khartoum Club, Sudan)...He is a former AL Hilal

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/417485_436392036392949_1009905177_n.jpg

Atir Thomas (Al Ahly, Sudan)....He will join AL Hilal (Sudan) next season.

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/417485_436392029726283_277142539_n.jpg

James Moga (Pune FC, India)

All the best for South Sudan team specially Richard Justin (Lionheart):banana::banana::banana:.
He was a reinforced barrier in Sudan and Al Hilal defenses and some more his wife is from the North.

http://www.alrakoba.net/contents/newsm/61677.jpg

http://www.sudaneseonline.com/uploadpic11/oct/558528_201999756584867_1021894907_n.jpg

http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/9161/tcr57669cm3.jpg

Uganda Cranes vs South Sudan 11 th July
The best new star from the Ugandan Super league will take on South Sudan in Juba ant wait im happy for south Sudan they will also play in the Cecafa Tournament The Juba Stadium isnt bad either at roughly between 12,000 - 15,000 capacity its got a nice turf.
http://www.footballzz.com/img/estadios/313/82313_ori_juba_stadium.jpg

^^ I thought it was on the 10th of July.....This will be South Sudan first official match.:banana:

All the best for South Sudan team specially Richard Justin (Lionheart):banana::banana::banana:.
He was a reinforced barrier in Sudan and Al Hilal defenses and some more his wife is from the North.

http://www.alrakoba.net/contents/newsm/61677.jpg

http://www.sudaneseonline.com/uploadpic11/oct/558528_201999756584867_1021894907_n.jpg

http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/9161/tcr57669cm3.jpg

Good to know:)...He definitely brings alot of experience into the team.

^^ I thought it was on the 10th of July.....This will be South Sudan first official match.:banana:

The Fifa website says 11th so since its the first game I think that's reliable .
It will be interesting to see how good South Sudan could actually be i mean you never know I expect them to win though the importance of the game to the people is alot so I expect a passionate South Sudan to come out strong

^^ I see...may be it has been pushed.

apparently the game was played today the 10th and it ended 2-2 between Uganda u-20s and the South Sudan team .

South Sudan draw with Uganda in first ever match
http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/61478000/jpg/_61478159_118737934.jpg
South Sudan's first officially recognised game since the country was admitted into the world governing body Fifa ended in a draw.
Known as the Bright Star, the team drew 2-2 against regional champions Uganda.

The match in the capital, Juba, comes a day after South Sudan marked its first anniversary of independence from Sudan.The BBC's Nyambura Wambugu in Juba says excited crowds, including Ugandans living in South Sudan, attended the match.

Ahead of the game, South Sudan's newly hired Serbian coach Zoran Djordjevic said his team would give the Cranes a "tough test".

Djordjevic's squad has three players from outside South Sudan - striker James Joseph from Gawa FC in India and goalkeeper Jumma Genaro and skipper Richard Justin, who are with sides in Sudan.

Team manager Emmanuel Paulino Alexander told BBC Sport that the majority of players play for local clubs.Uganda decided to give several of their under-20 players some competitive action as they prepare for a 2013 African Under-20 Championship qualifier against Ghana on 27 July.

South Sudan have already confirmed they will play in East and Central Africa's regional championship - the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup - later this year.

Newest nation South Sudan proud after debut draw

By Hannah McNeish (AFP) – 5 hours ago

JUBA — A day after celebrating its country's first birthday, South Sudan's national football team played its first international game on Tuesday and made their fans proud by drawing 2-2 with Uganda.

Noses and fingers pressed to any bit of wire mesh, squeezed onto any stadium wall or balanced precariously atop huge billboard signs overlooking the pitch, the crowd went wild at seeing their nation play its first official game.

"I like it because we have a national team and we have a country," said Margaret Igali, a singer in the national choir who hooted, hugged her fellow singers and made vigorous lasso moves with her hands every time her side advanced.

"The match is very good. It is the first match, and maybe the next one we will win," said South Sudan player Simon James, as he jogged off a pitch where fans clamoured to get through gaps between riot police to embrace players.

"It's a promising first step," said South Sudan coach Zoran Dordevic.

The Serbian said it was very difficult to prepare his players to take on Uganda, a strong east African side that has played many international games together, while his players were still trickling in from teams in Sudan and east Africa just weeks ago.

South Sudan seceded from Sudan on July 9, 2011, after five decades of civil war that killed an estimated 2 million people and scattered the rest into the bush or abroad.

"These days South Sudan celebrated its first anniversary, and still there's a lot of painful stories here, a lot of sadness, a lot of people are missing mothers, fathers brothers and sisters. For this reason, this game was like the final of the revolution," Dordevic said.

"The game --- it was very difficult for us as our players are still young and they don't have experience but we just thank God as we drew, and I think the next game will be bigger, and we have our freedom," said striker James Joseph Morgan.

Like the football team, the war-ravaged nation is starting from scratch.

"Our people have got a lot of problems but they will improve," said Elias Gideon, who hopes the new nation will play in the 2018 World Cup and one day beat the United States.

"Football is a very important game that unites people -- they come and socialise. You see South Sudan and Uganda coming together -- it's a very good game," he said.

"The mood is very vibrant. The people are very happy as they've gained their freedom, and this is one of the new things to come," said Roy Lokungu as crowds screamed, jumped and hugged one another after the first goal, while a line of people following an excited flagbearer sprinted past.

"I'm very proud because we are a country and it's the first time that we have a national team.

"That's a very patriotic thing -- that a newborn country has a strong team like that," said Igali, who like many others said the team was a symbol of freedom and results were of secondary importance.

"A baby child will not grow within one day. I would support them even if they lost," she said with pride.

"It's a new team, and we're not disappointed as Uganda has been playing tough matches for years," Lokungu said.

"Genetically, these boys are godly gifted," Dordevic said of the South Sudanese.

He said they only need motivation and support, and especially a football academy for "hundreds and hundreds of talented children."

"I'm sure that very soon, we can show the world that we can play against any top world class team," he said.

George Opiyo, a striker for the Ugandan side, agreed.

"They have something in this country. I can see they are also competitive. If you play football for your country you have to play with your heart and they are doing that," he said.

"Maybe you give them some years to come, they will be the best team in east Africa", he said.

AFP (http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hT4U57YNkBMh9A2c7EtpbanvolxA?docId=CNG.7a97ea4ae1d87a8622ea139c94fab607.a21)

South Sudan draw with Uganda in first ever match
http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/61495000/jpg/_61495042_148124792.jpg
By Andrew Jackson Oryada
BBC Sport, Juba

South Sudan's first officially recognised game since the country was admitted into the world governing body Fifa ended in a draw.Known as the Bright Star, the team drew 2-2 with 10-man Uganda, who are East and Central African regional champions.

The match in the capital, Juba, comes a day after South Sudan marked its first anniversary of independence from Sudan.President Salva Kiir did not attend the game but 22,000 cheering fans saw South Sudan came from behind twice.

Caesar Okuthi gave the visitors the lead in the seventh minute but was then sent off 15 minutes later for a second bookable offence.His dismissal came minutes after immediately after the hosts had equalized through Richard Justin, who converted a penalty.

Despite playing with 10-men Uganda dominated against their inexperienced hosts and only some great saves from South Sudan goalkeeper Jumma Genaro, who plays in Sudan.

Julius Ogwang gave Uganda a 2-1 lead after 33 minutes after a mistake by Genaro, who fumbled the shot and allowed it to cross the line.

Then three minutes before half-time India based professional James Joseph made it 2-2 with a fine header.The second half was more evenly balanced and both sides failed to capitalise on the chances they had to win the match.
The Cranes assistant coach Leo Adra said he was satisfied with the result.

While South Sudan's Serbian coach Zoran Djordjevic was happy to get a draw against the experienced Ugandan team.

"Playing against a well exposed side like Uganda and getting a draw is a very good start," he said.

South Sudan will now send a team, Salaam Wau FC, for the East and Central African regional club tournament , the Cecafa Kagame Club Championships, which begin in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania on 14 July.

The national team have already confirmed they will play in East and Central Africa's regional championship - the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup - later this year.




South Sudan proud after debut draw
11 July 2012, 09:25
http://images.supersport.com/sudan-soccer-team_300.jpg
A day after celebrating its country's first birthday, South Sudan's national football team played its first international game on Tuesday and made their fans proud by drawing 2-2 with Uganda.

Noses and fingers pressed to any bit of wire mesh, squeezed onto any stadium wall or balanced precariously atop huge billboard signs overlooking the pitch, the crowd went wild at seeing their nation play its first official game.

"I like it because we have a national team and we have a country," said Margaret Igali, a singer in the national choir who hooted, hugged her fellow singers and made vigorous lasso moves with her hands every time her side advanced.

"The match is very good. It is the first match, and maybe the next one we will win," said South Sudan player Simon James, as he jogged off a pitch where fans clamoured to get through gaps between riot police to embrace players.

"It's a promising first step," said South Sudan coach Zoran Dordevic.

The Serbian said it was very difficult to prepare his players to take on Uganda, a strong east African side that has played many international games together, while his players were still trickling in from teams in Sudan and east Africa just weeks ago.

South Sudan seceded from Sudan on July 9, 2011, after five decades of civil war that killed an estimated 2 million people and scattered the rest into the bush or abroad.

"These days South Sudan celebrated its first anniversary, and still there's a lot of painful stories here, a lot of sadness, a lot of people are missing mothers, fathers brothers and sisters. For this reason, this game was like the final of the revolution," Dordevic said.

"The game –- it was very difficult for us as our players are still young and they don't have experience but we just thank God as we drew, and I think the next game will be bigger, and we have our freedom," said striker James Joseph Morgan.

Like the football team, the war-ravaged nation is starting from scratch.

"Our people have got a lot of problems but they will improve," said Elias Gideon, who hopes the new nation will play in the 2018 World Cup and one day beat the United States.

"Football is a very important game that unites people – they come and socialise. You see South Sudan and Uganda coming together – it's a very good game," he said.

"The mood is very vibrant. The people are very happy as they've gained their freedom, and this is one of the new things to come," said Roy Lokungu as crowds screamed, jumped and hugged one another after the first goal, while a line of people following an excited flagbearer sprinted past.

"I'm very proud because we are a country and it's the first time that we have a national team.

"That's a very patriotic thing – that a newborn country has a strong team like that," said Igali, who like many others said the team was a symbol of freedom and results were of secondary importance.

"A baby child will not grow within one day. I would support them even if they lost," she said with pride.

"It's a new team, and we're not disappointed as Uganda has been playing tough matches for years," Lokungu said.

"Genetically, these boys are godly gifted," Dordevic said of the South Sudanese.

He said they only need motivation and support, and especially a football academy for "hundreds and hundreds of talented children."

"I'm sure that very soon, we can show the world that we can play against any top world class team," he said.

George Opiyo, a striker for the Ugandan side, agreed.

"They have something in this country. I can see they are also competitive. If you play football for your country you have to play with your heart and they are doing that," he said.

"Maybe you give them some years to come, they will be the best team in east Africa", he said.




Cranes Return From S. Sudan

By John Magezi 50 minutes ago
http://www.chimpreports.com/thumbnail.php?file=/Steven_Bengo_was_voted_Man_of_the_Match_in_Juba_718024484.jpg&size=article_medium
Steven Bengo was voted Man of the Match in Juba

After drawing in their game against Southern Sudan on Tuesday evening in Juba, the national soccer team, Cranes, jetted back into Uganda on Wednesday afternoon.The team touched down Entebbe airport at 2pm local time.

In what was the team's maiden match ever since receiving recognition from FIFA as a newly born footballing state, South Sudan shared spoils with Uganda in a 2-2 draw in a game played to mark the nation's first independence anniversary.

The match, watched by an excited mammoth crowd, was officiated by Kenyan referees Thomas Onyango assisted by Brasan Mamati and Jubal Mwagawilo.
Ceaser Okhuti and Julius Ogwang netted Uganda's goals to scoop a 2-2 draw.

Good start by the boys....:cheers:

South Sudan's Al Salaam Wau excited by Cecafa debut

By Emmanuel Muga BBC Sport, Dar es Salaam

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/61530000/jpg/_61530315_wau-2.jpg

South Sudan's first representatives at the Cecafa Club Championship have travelled to Tanzania with the support of their nation, says their coach.

Al Salaam Wau will take on Rwanda's APR in Saturday's opening game of the East and Central African championship.

"The government, citizens and youth are happy to see their players playing in the Cecafa," said Sebit Bol Chol.

"We are happy that it is Salaam here to represent South Sudan. We are grateful for this opportunity."

Saturday's match will be the first competitive fixture overseas for any club from South Sudan, a country that celebrated its first anniversary of independence on Monday.

Part of the celebrations involved South Sudan's first international, when the 'Bright Star' held visitors Uganda to a 2-2 friendly draw.

Al Salaam Wau arrived in Dar es Salaam on Thursday but without two players who contested Tuesday's historic game in Juba.

In Tanzania, the South Sudanese will take on local side Young Africans, the defending champions, and Atletico of Burundi after meeting former winners APR.

"During our preparations we played six matches - winning five and losing one," Chol told BBC Sport. "We displayed strength to show that we can represent our country well and make our citizens happy.

"What I can say is that we will show discipline on the pitch, and God willing we will get good results."

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/61530000/jpg/_61530508_wau-coach.jpg

Al Salaam Wau coach Sebit Bol Chol

Chol said he started his coaching career in 1986, guiding various first division teams in the north before joining Wau two months ago.

The team is owned by the country's police force and has a 15,000-capacity stadium in Wau city, which is in Bahar al Gazar Province.

Most players are serving policemen and receive their monthly salaries from the force, while others are students who are paid allowances for each game.

Defender Emmanuel Mogga said morale was high among a group of players who are targeting a place in the second round.

"We are well-prepared. It has taken three months to prepare and when you prepare for a tournament like this, you put in a lot of efforts to perform," he said. "We have participated in many great matches before."

"We used to go to the north where we sometimes played Al Merreikh and Al Hilal, and facing such big teams is a proof that we can participate here and get what we are looking forward to.

"I am sure we will go beyond the first stage."

Al Salaam Wau qualified after winning their ten-team provincial league in Bahar el Gazar and won play-offs with six teams from other provinces.

The winner of the 11-team Cecafa Club Championship, which runs from 14-28 July, will win US$30,000, while the runner-up and third-placed side will receive $20,000 and $10,000 respectively.

BBC Sport (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18815728)

Karekezi Wary of Underdogs 'El Salam Wau'

By Peter Kamasa, 12 July 2012

APR captain Olivier Karekezi has admitted that South Sudan club El Salam Wau is capable of pulling off a good campaign in the 2012 Cecafa Kagame Cup Championship which kicks off this Saturday in Dar es Salaam.

He warned that the little -known side could be the dark horses of the tournament which will climax on July 28 and that APR, who won the tournament in 2004 and 2007, cannot afford to be complacent.

APR, who have been drawn in Group C alongside defending champions Yanga (Tanzania), Atletico of Burundi and El Salam Wau, open their campaign against the latter at Tanzania's national stadium before another Group C clash between Yanga and Atletico.

Karekezi does not have a good feeling about the match and fears the miners could pull off an upset if taken for granted.

"It's a strange situation and I don't have any good sensations. We may have to play out of our skins to achieve the result that we need," the Amavubi forward told Focus Sport.

"It's always dangerous to play a team you know very little about. It puts you on the back foot but I believe we shall get off to a perfect start by beating them," he continued.

APR, who depart for Dar es Salaam later today, are likely to be without their versatile defender Ismail 'Kodo' Nshutiyamagara who is still injured.

Last year, the army side had a brief run in the annual tournament after being knocked out at the group stages but with a revamped squad (Karekezi, Papy Faty, Selemani Ndikumana, Dan Wagaluka, Habib Kavuma, Saint Preux Lionel and the Brazilian trio of Alexis Da Avila, Diego Oliviera and Douglas Lopez) at his disposal, Ernie Brandts is hoping to go all the way this time round.

Other teams in contention include Simba (Tz), URA (Uganda), Vita Club (DR Congo) and Ports of Djibouti in Group A and Azam (Tz), Tusker (Kenya) and Mfunzo of Zanzibar in Group B.

2012 Cecafa Kagame Cup (Saturday)

Group C

Young Africans vs Atletico

APR vs El Salam Wau

All Africa (http://allafrica.com/stories/201207120138.html)

South Sudan’s Wau Salaam handed rude welcome by APR
Updated on 14/07/12 | By TIMOTHY OLOBULU
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Debutants Wau Salaam from South Sudan were handed a rude welcome to the CECAFA Kagame Cup after being thrashed 7-0 by Rwandan champions APR. Leonel St. Preus scored a brace as the Rwandese made minced meat of the debutants from the world’s newest nation.

APR started the game as the hot favorites and they did not let down their tag totally out playing the boys from South Sudan. Captain Olivier Karekezi and Jean Mugiraneza wasted a myriad of chances for the Rwandese champion before Leonel St. Preus finally opened the scores for them.

Leonel calmly converted a penalty after Kabange Twite was brought down in the area by Edward Jovan Simon. Kenyan referee Antony Ongwae who handled the match well did not hesitate as he pointed directly to the spot.

Captain Karekezi would have easily made it 2-0 just five minutes later after he was let through by Dan Wagaluka, but the veteran skipper tried an unsuccessful lob over the Salaam keeper Uyu Abdallah.

APR however doubled their lead 25 minutes into the match through Selemani Ndikumana who side stepped the keeper after getting a cutting pass from the centre of the pack. APR continued to dominate the game and would have had a goal or two but they chose to calm down the game.

Karekezi would finally get his name on the score sheet three minutes from the breather after he tapped in a cross from the second goal scorer Selemani. Selemani had done well to leave his marker on the left gasping for breath to bring in the cross.

Salaam had their own fair share of chances late in the half. Khamis Deshama had his free kick go inches over the bar while Captain Khamis Leone saw his header also fly over the bar.

Come the second half, APR continued from where they had stopped with Jean Mugiranza finishing off the fifth. Leonel completed his brace in the 53rd minute with a trademark finish before substitute Barnabe Mubumbyi added the sixth.

Jean Mugiraneza then beat off the offside trap in the 77th minute for goal number seven for the Rwandese, as Salaam looked clueless and overwhelmed.

Ngomirakiza Heriman would have made it eight with three minutes left to play but his rasping long range shot rattled the cross bar.

APR now sit top of the table with a good goal difference and have a great chance of qualification to the quarters, looking set to put behind last year’s misery. Salaam need more than a miracle to win their remaining two fixtures to get hopes of qualifying to the quarters.

South Sudan runner bids for independent Olympic place

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 11:40 GMT

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Guor Marial and Bard Poore, a U.S. runner who is helping Marial in his bid to run as an independent. Photo supplied by Brad Poore

By Emma Batha

LONDON (AlertNet) - A refugee from Sudan’s civil war who became a top distance runner after moving to the United States is fighting for last-minute permission to compete in the London Olympics as an independent.

Guor Marial, 28, who was born in southern Sudan at the start of the conflict, would have liked to run the marathon for South Sudan which became an independent country last year.

But South Sudan has not yet established a National Olympic Committee so it cannot send a team to the games, which open next week.

The athlete told AlertNet that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has suggested he run for Sudan, which has invited him to join its team.

But Marial, who lost 28 members of his family in the war, has refused.

“I lost my family and relatives, and in South Sudan 2 million people died,” he said by phone from Flagstaff, Arizona, where he lives.

“For me to just go and represent Sudan is a betrayal of my country first of all, and is disrespecting my people who died for freedom.”

South Sudan gained independence last July after a 2005 peace deal ended more than two decades of war between the mostly Christian south and Arab north. But tensions remain high following clashes in contested borderlands and rows over oil payments.

Rights group Refugees International wrote to IOC President Jacques Rogge on Tuesday to request Marial be allowed to compete as an independent under the Olympic flag.

The letter said it was inappropriate to ask Marial to run for Sudan.

“Numerous members of Mr Marial’s family have been killed by Sudanese security forces, and he himself has suffered serious physical abuse at the hands of Sudanese police,” RI President Michel Gabaudan wrote.

“The threats against him are serious and were recognised as such when he gained refugee status in the United States. Therefore, asking Mr Marial to submit once again to Sudanese authority as an Olympic athlete is not acceptable.”

Refugees International also pointed out that Khartoum had stripped up to 500,000 southern Sudanese still living in Sudan of Sudanese nationality.

“Allowing Sudan to carve out a special exception for Mr Marial is inappropriate when hundreds of thousands like him have had their nationalities revoked en masse with no possibility of appeal,” the letter said.

The IOC was not immediately available for comment.

PERSONAL BEST

Marial cannot race for the United States, even though he has permanent residency, because athletes have to be full citizens of the countries they represent.

In a marathon in San Diego, California, last month Marial ran a personal best, finishing in a time of 2:12:55.

“If I did get permission to run in London, the shape I’m in right now, I think I might be in the top 15 to 20,” said the chemistry graduate, who works with people with mental disabilities when he’s not training.

Marial left Sudan at the age of 14 following an attack when Sudanese soldiers entered his home at night. He was left unconscious after a soldier smashed his jaw with a rifle.

The athlete, who arrived in the United States when he was 16, said he appreciated Sudan’s offer but it was impossible to accept.

“In my situation, the consequences of me representing Sudan are bigger than me going to the Olympics,” he said in the interview late Tuesday.

“At this level, as an athlete, I don’t just represent my family, but the whole of South Sudan. It’s a very heavy responsibility to carry. It’s very important for me to make the right decision,” he added.

“My dream is to represent South Sudan. It’s just a matter of time.”

Link (http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/south-sudan-runner-bids-for-independent-olympic-place)

Bilfam Warriors Volleyball champions

Tuesday, 17 July 2012 | Lagu Francis

Bilfam warriors have been crowned the male champions of the first Dr John Garang volleyball tournament after defeating Rainbow 3-0.

In the female category, Simba emerged winners after beating the women's Rainbow team by 3-1.

The finals were played at the Juba local basketball stadium in Nimra Talata on Sunday.

Miraya FM (http://www.mirayafm.org/index.php/sport-news/9023-bilfam-warriors-valleyball-champions)

London 2012 Olympics: South Sudan's Guor Marial allowed to compete under Olympic flag in London


By Telegraph Sport | 21 Jul 2012

South Sudan-born marathon runner Guor Marial will be allowed to take to the start line at the London Olympics after the International Olympic Committee granted him permission to run under the Olympic flag.

The 28-year-old, who fled to the United States from Sudan at the age of eight after 28 members of his family were killed by the Sudanese government, cannot compete for the newly formed South Sudan as it does not have a National Olympic Committee and thus is not yet a ratified Olympic state.

He could not compete for the USA as he does not possess an American passport, although he does have a green card allowing him to live there, and he rejected Sudan’s invitation to compete for them for as he did not consider himself a citizen of that country.

The situation looked as though Marial would not be able to take part in London but the IOC executive board has agreed to allow him to take part as an independent athlete.

"I was getting ready to go for a run. Wow. This is so exciting," he said. "It's hard to describe. I'm speechless. The body temperature is up. I have to train like an Olympian now."

Sudan and South Sudan came close to all-out war in April following border clashes, the worst violence since South Sudan declared its independence a year ago under a 2005 peace agreement that ended decades of civil war.

"The voice of South Sudan has been heard," said Marial. "The South Sudan has finally got a spot in the world community. Even though I will not carry their flag in this Olympic Games, the country itself is there. The dream has come true. The hope of South Sudan is alive."

Marial said he'll ask his father – who still lives in South Sudan – to travel to the nearest city to watch him compete on TV.

He added: "Most important is the people of South Sudan. They struggle so much, so if I can accomplish something, I can help,"

"That's why every morning, I get up, I put on my shoes and I train."

New Hampshire senator Jeanne Shaheen lent support to Marial's Olympic bid by sending a letter to the IOC appealing for the athlete to compete under the Olympic flag.

The IOC Executive Board's decision will see him march under the IOC flag at the opening ceremony on Friday along with three athletes from the former Netherlands Antilles.

Those athletes have refused to run for the Netherlands since their former country ceased to officially exist in 2010.

At the 1992 Barcelona Games, competitors from Yugoslavia competed under the Olympic flag because of the break-up of the country, which left them with no national team. They didn't march at the opening ceremony but the Olympic flag was raised on their behalf during award ceremonies.

Four athletes from East Timor were allowed in under the Olympic flag in Sydney in 2000 because East Timor wasn't an independent country.

The IOC had said that Kuwaiti athletes could compete as independents in the London Games after suspending the country's Olympic committee in 2010 because of government interference. However, they have since lifted the Kuwaiti ban.

Link (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/athletics/9417428/London-2012-Olympics-South-Sudans-Guor-Marial-allowed-to-compete-under-Olympic-flag-in-London.html)

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Emmotional day for some of the players as the national anthem rings out around the ground....This was the first internationally recognised Match for South Sudan.

T9iBFXylC0M

^^

South Sudan Wheelchair Basketball Team Hopes for Paralympics Berth

Hannah McNeish | July 25, 2012

JUBA, South Sudan — At a basketball court in South Sudan’s capital Juba, the national wheelchair team is still practicing hard - despite only a glimmer of hope that a select few will get a last-minute chance to compete in London's upcoming Paralympic Games.

Wheelchair-bound basketball players race around a court in the sweltering evening heat. The players bear the scars of the ravages of war and poverty: limbs lost to land mines and bomb shrapnel, or twisted by polio.

The decades-long civil war from which the new nation of South Sudan emerged in July 2011 left a legacy of some 50,000 disabled people. It is why representation of the wheelchair basketball team in this year's Paralympic Games is so important.

Gatluak Kual Luak, president of the Wheelchair Basketball Association, said the dream of competing in London has kept the team together.

“If South Sudan wheelchair basketball appears or is seen in the Olympics, it will mean [a lot] not only to me, but it will mean [a lot] to the whole of the nation,” said Luak.

But the nation's Olympic dream is fading fast.

South Sudan fell short of forming the minimum five sports federations in time to become a full member of the International Olympic Committee.

South Sudan Minister of Sports Cirino Hiteng Ofuho said that despite a letter from President Salva Kiir to the IOC, hopes of raising South Sudan’s flag have disappeared.

“The appeal of the president was that 'yes, we are aware of these preconditions, but we are willing to work to fulfill them, but allow us, these are games that come every four years.'" said Ofuho.

The IOC recently relaxed its rules to let star South Sudanese marathon runner Marial Guor, who resides in the United States, compete under the Olympic flag.

Ofuho said he hopes the wheelchair basketball team can be squeezed into the Paralympics.

“One of our athletes is going to be, has been allowed by the IOC to participate. It came late, but we can still thank them,” said Ofuho.

Coach Nyambura Kenyi Gabriel said representing South Sudan abroad would be a huge boost for disabled people that often feel they have no future here.

"It will be very most important and great once we go and compete in the Olympics. So it will be very important for us, and it will be very important for the disabled people. Because it is said, disability does not mean inability. That means that they have also talent to compete in sport,” said Gabriel.

Gabriel says that until the team is allowed abroad, these courts will never be empty.

Link (http://www.voanews.com/content/south_sudan_wheelchair_basketball_team_hopes_for_paralympics_berth/1446609.html)

V0oDtjHSFm4

Volcano beats El-Nijum

Jonglei State team El-Nijum suffered a humbled defeat at the hands of Eastern Equatoria’s Volcano in a football match played at Bor Stadium last Saturday.

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By Jacob AchiekJok

BOR, 31 July 2012 [Gurtong] – Volcano who thrashed El-Nijum 3-0 was the first to score in the first half through John Peter Alberto.

They added the second goal before the end of the half and a third goal in the beginning of the second half.

The national team head coach Zoran Djordjervic said the football match it was good for each player to demonstrate his quality and talents.

“This is really a chance for every player to show his talent and motivation to play for our national teams someday,” said Djordjervic.

Djordjervic added that they are using the tournaments to scout for the under 21 and under 19 football players.

Volcano team leader Abramem Inima said the mission of the tournament is to show the importance of football sport in South Sudan especially between Eastern Equatoria and Jonglei states.

The State Minister of Youth and Sport Baba Medan said that football is one of the sports which will bring peace among the youths of South Sudan.

Link (http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ID/7414/Default.aspx)

S. Sudan to build football stadium in Lakes state



August 2, 2012 (JUBA)- South Sudan on Thursday said it planned to build its first ever modern football stadium in the Lakes state capital, Rumbek.

The government made the pledge during an official function marking the opening of the first intra-schools competition which started in Rumbek on Thursday. The event, which drew school teams from across the nation, was attended by government officials who highlighted South Sudan’s interest in joining the world of international sport.

South Sudan was admitted to the Confederation of African Football in February and the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) in May. Most recently the team drew 2-2 against Uganda in a match held in Juba in May.

“We will build the first modern football stadium here; the minister of youth and sports is determined to do it. The government is determined to build it”, vice president Riek Machar said at the event.

He also commended the success of the South Sudanese army, the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) whose volleyball team which won a trophy in an East African tournament.

He said that the South Sudanese people “have the potential” for sporting success, suggesting it could be because “we have the tallest people” or due to generations of people herding cattle. He acknowledged that additional training and investment would be required.

Physical education teachers and stadiums would be required for sporting progress to be made, explained Machar.

Since refusing to run for Sudan, marathon runner Guor Marial will run at the London Olympics without the flag of his nation, as South Sudan is yet to establish the prerequisite National Olympic Committee.

South Sudanese Lopez Lomong will run the Olympic 5,000m for the United States, where he sought asylum in 2007.

Western Bahr el Ghazal state minister of youth and sports, Anyar Anyar, on Thursday told Sudan Tribune that sport has the potential to dissuade people from tribalism and to promote peace and unity.

Machar also announced that the second anniversary celebrations of South Sudan’s independence would be celebrated in Lakes state.

(ST)

South Sudan enter FIFA rankings

http://media.sbs.com.au/news/thm/articlemain/1463_sudan-football-getty-l.jpg
The team, made up nearly entirely of home-based players, is coached by widely-travelled Serb Zoran Djordjevic, who has also taken charge of Yemen, Sudan and Bangladesh. (Getty Images)

The team, made up nearly entirely of home-based players, is coached by widely-travelled Serb Zoran Djordjevic, who has also taken charge of Yemen, Sudan and Bangladesh. (Getty Images)

South Sudan have entered the FIFA world rankings for the first time after playing their inaugural full international last month.

South Sudan have entered the FIFA world rankings for the first time after playing their inaugural full international last month.

A 2-2 draw at home to Uganda in a friendly played in Juba on July 10 has put South Sudan 199th in the 209-team table. South Sudan, which became fully independent last year, joined FIFA in May after being voted in at the annual Congress.

The team, made up nearly entirely of home-based players, is coached by widely-travelled Serb Zoran Djordjevic, who has also taken charge of Yemen, Sudan and Bangladesh in a career which has taken him around Africa and Asia.

England reached their highest-ever ranking of third place without even playing a game.

They leap-frogged Uruguay because the points which the South American side earned in winning the Copa America one year ago lost some of their value under the complicated system of co-efficient used to determine the rankings.

There were few other changes with only 12 full internationals played in the last month. Spain are top while five-times world champions Brazil remained outside the top 10.

1. (1) Spain

2. (2) Germany

3. (4) England

4. (3) Uruguay

5. (5) Portugal

6. (6) Italy

7. (7) Argentina

8. (8) Netherlands

9. (9) Croatia

10. (10) Denmark

(Reporting by Brian Homewood; Editing by Amlan Chakraborty)

Link (http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1679918/South-Sudan-enter-FIFA-rankings)

^^ 20 points were awarded to South Sudan following the draw against Uganda. :cheers::cheers:

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Luol Deng, Guor Marial, and Lopez Lomong

Although they're competing under different flags.....They're pride of South Sudan

Runner without a country finishes marathon

By JOHN PYE, AP Sports Writer

LONDON (AP) — While his competitors ran under the brightly colored flags of their countries, marathoner Guor Marial competed in a black and gray uniform, the letters "I.O.A." printed across his chest.

Independent Olympic Athlete.

When he crossed the finish line, he touched those three letters, then pounded the left side of his chest with his fist in a subtle but significant gesture to describe his Olympic experience.

The south Sudan refugee competed Sunday under the banner of the International Olympic Committee. A runner without a country, he didn't want to compete for Sudan and couldn't compete for the United States, where he lives and trains but is not a citizen. He finished 47th, 11:31 minutes behind the winning time.

The time was of little consequence.

"Finishing the marathon is more important than anything like that," he said. "This is special for the people who support me, in the United States and the whole world and my people in south Sudan. It was important for me to finish, no matter what."

Not having a flag "doesn't worry me a lot because coming here, technically, I feel like I was representing south Sudan even though I was not wearing it," he told The Associated Press immediately after the marathon. "It is important to bring the name of south Sudan here and raise awareness of the issue going on in south Sudan."

Marial, 28, was born in what is now the newly independent country of South Sudan. He fled a long time before the south broke away from Sudan last year and doesn't have any South Sudanese documents. Although he is now a permanent resident in the U.S. — he trains in Flagstaff, Ariz., — he's not a citizen there, either.

He was offered the chance to represent Sudan at the games but declined.

With no passport, no country and seemingly no hope, Marial met fellow runner Brad Poore at a race in Minneapolis in October and 10 months later — with plenty of help from his new friend — he got to compete on the final day of the London Olympics.

Poore had phoned everyone he could think of from charities to senators, embassies and border agencies so that Marial would be able to compete.

Marial had run only two marathons previously, but finished both in Olympic qualifying times. His second was just two months ago in San Diego, leaving him very little time to taper for the biggest race of his life.

"It was a heavy responsibility on my shoulders, but it was great," he said. "I feel blessed to be able to do this. Two marathons back-to-back in two months, was not ideal. The whole thing is to do this to honor our people. Support the refugees and the people of South Sudan."

Thousands of people lined the marathon route, which wound past many of London's famous landmarks and finished in the Mall, within sight of Buckingham Palace. He saw people waving south Sudan flags, and yelling encouragement to him in his native tongue. And he heard plenty of other support from the fans who have followed his story.

For that, he was grateful to the IOC for helping get to London.

"The IOC is great. It's special. I can't thank them enough for giving me this opportunity," he said. "At the same time, It's about the people. In my heart here, I'm carrying those people in my heart."

Link (http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ir3x4lI0Q3DGyfUk-95qAkjd9-tA?docId=2812051f5149433c97e4842390838e11)

47th‎ | 2:19:32 sec

All done with no coach or sponsor........:applause::applause::applause:

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Guor Marial....:cheers:

Louisville adds Mangok Mathiang, a 6-10 late commitment

Published Wednesday, Aug 1, 2012 at 3:22 pm EDT

Louisville coach Rick Pitino, whose club is coming off a Final Four run and is ranked No. 3 in preseason, continues to add depth to his roster in an anticipated run for the 2013 national title. On Wednesday, Pitino secured a late commitment from 6-10 center Mangok Mathiang.

Mathiang picked Louisville over offers from Auburn, Central Michigan, Georgia, Kansas State and Mississippi State.

A Sudan native who played a post-graduate season at IMG Academies in Bradenton, Fla., Mathiang still has some eligibility issues to sort out to be able to play this coming season.

“We think there’s some things we’ve got to take care of, but he’ll be there when school starts,” IMG coach Loren Jackson told The Courier-Journal. “I have a relationship with coach (Pitino) and told him I had a kid that would be a great fit.”

Mathiang could be a useful piece off the bench behind starting center Gorgui Dieng, who averaged 9.1 points, 9.1 rebounds and 3.2 blocks per game last season. The Cardinals also are loaded at forward with Chane Behanan and incoming freshman Montrezl Harrell and in the backcourt with All-American candidate Peyton Siva at point guard plus sharpshooter Russ Smith and budding star Wayne Blackshear.

Pitino had a late scholarship available after incoming freshman Terry Rozier decided to spend a post-graduate year at Hargrave Military Academy (Va.) before entering college.

Link (http://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-basketball/story/2012-08-01/louisville-adds-mangok-mathiang-a-6-10-late-commitment)

Chier Ajou ruled eligible by NCAA


By Scott Powers | ESPNChicago.com | Updated: August 16, 2012, 8:54 PM ET


Northwestern freshman center Chier Ajou has been cleared by the NCAA and will be eligible for the upcoming season, Wildcats coach Bill Carmody announced Thursday.

Ajou, a 7-foot-2 center, is originally from the South Sudan and attended Culver Academies in Indiana for two years and went to St. Thomas More School in Connecticut last year. He signed with Northwestern in June and is the program's tallest player ever.

Ajou averaged 14 points, nine rebounds and 2.6 blocks last season.

Northwestern is coming off a 19-10 season and its fourth consecutive NIT appearance. The Wildcats return four starters and welcome four freshmen, two redshirt freshmen and two eligible transfers to this year's roster.

Link (http://espn.go.com/chicago/ncb/story/_/id/8276352/northwestern-wildcats-center-chier-ajou-ruled-eligible)

Obij Aget | New Mexico

CBx7CVf_7sE

South Sudan supports Kenya bid for Cecafa Challenge Cup

South Sudan Football President Ghabur Goc Alel has supported Kenya in its bid to host this year’s East and Central Africa Senior Challenge tournament.

"We are surprised that the CECAFA secretary general Mr Nicholas Musonye is envisaging plans to force Uganda to be the hosts. We as a new member of the regional body were informed initially that Kenya were the hosts after it was passed in the CECAFA Congress, and up to now we have not received any other official communication regarding the change" he said.

"We shall lobby other member countries, he added, to ensure that decisions made in the congress are respected and the Secretary General should stop playing politics.

He said this when he paid a courtesy call at the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) chairman Sam Nyamweya at the Nyayo Stadium secretariat on Monday.

The Confederation of Africa Football CAF has also read malice on the move to award Uganda the hosting rights and said that they will throw their weight behind Kenya.

The current stand-off is a result of the forthcoming CAF elections where the CECAFA Secretary General is supporting Issa Hayatou challenger during the polls.

South Sudan have confirmed their support for the incumbent and has been joined by three other members including Kenya.

"We want continuity and we believe that Hayatou has contributed a lot for the development of African football .Kenya is ready and has the facilities to host this year’s event and has even received funding from FIFA to rehabilitate the Kisumu Municipal Stadium one of the venues. We urge other members to support Kenya in hosting the championships" added Ghabur.

© copyright StarAfrica.com

Inter-Schools Games | Updates

Wednesday, 29 August 2012

In a regional inter-school competition that is taking place in Burundi, South Sudan boys volleyball team beat Uganda three shots to nil while the Kenya girl volleyball team beat South Sudan three shots to nil.

In handball, South Sudan boys beat Burundi 37 to 27. In athletics, Viola Dario from South Sudan qualified for the girls 200m finals.

Meanwhile Alberto Williams qualified for the boys 400m finals.

And Issac Butrus has gone through to the final of higher jump and Juma Barnaba has also reach the final of long jump.

Miraya FM (http://www.mirayafm.org/index.php/sport-news/9394-south-sudan-beats-uganda-3-0)

^^ :okay:....They're going good, thus far.

South Sudan embarks on football competition to promote peace and unity

August 30,2012 (JUBA) - South Sudan is organizing national football competitions in attempt to promote peace and unity amongst the young nations diverse ethnic groups often seen as divided by tribal conflicts usually associated to cattle theft.

http://www.sudantribune.com/local/cache-vignettes/L373xH280/nahda_bentiu_club_from_unity_state_photo_northern_bahr_el_ghazal_state_ministry_of_youth_-30625.jpg
Nahda Bentiu Club from Unity State (Photo: Northern Bahr el Ghazal State Ministry of Youth)

The country is also taking advantage of the exercise to meet requirements needed by international sports associations to gain membership of various organisations. South Sudan’s Football Association is organising competition between various clubs to find the countries best players and teams before finals are held in the capital Juba.

On 18 August Aweil Meriekh club from Northern Bahr El Ghazal State (NBGS) played Nahda Bentiu Club from Unity State. The first match was played in Aweil town, the capital of Northern Bahr el Ghazal, inaugurated by Tong Deng Anei, the state’s Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports. In other leg was played in Bentiu on 27 August.

With the winning team scheduled to play in the national semi-final 9 September was stiff competition.

Meriekh Aweil won both matches and will go on to play in the semi-final on 9 September in the capital Juba.

Garang Akok, Chairman of Meriekh Aweil Club, told Sudan Tribune on Thursday that he always had confidence in his team, which won the last game in Bentiu 2-1.

http://www.sudantribune.com/local/cache-vignettes/L347xH260/aweil_meriekh_club_from_northern_bahr_el_ghazal_state_photo_northern_bahr_el_ghazal_state_ministry_of_youth_-9447f.jpg
Aweil Meriekh club from Northern Bahr El Ghazal State (Photo: Northern Bahr el Ghazal State Ministry of Youth)

Abdullah Deng, Acting Director General in the ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture commended the competition and said his ministry encouraged the healthy competition.

He said that their experience of playing a high tempo passing game had made the team "professional and efficient”.

Garang Kuol, Chairman of Northern Bahr El Ghazal State Football Association, agreed with Deng’s argument about preparing adequately for matches.

Tong Deng Anei, Minister of Sports in Northern Bahr el Ghazal said he sees the football competition as an opportunity to promote peace and unity amongst various youth groups across the country.

“This is very important for the youth of the entire country and it should be done through fair competition among the young professional players”, Anei said in a statement.

The Northern Bahr el Ghazal minister further added that “one of importance aspect of this tournament was that it brought exchange visits between the young leaders and develops close relationship among them”.

He congratulated Aweil Meriekh Club for working hard to win and overcoming not only the other team but the treacherous muddy road between Rumbek and Bentiu.

"You have won the trust of the people of Northern Bahr El Ghazal State”, he said in a statement, encouraging the team to prepare "to face the strong teams that include, Akuach of Rumbek, Nasir of Juba and Meriekh Renk”.

He also thanked Nahda Bentiu for having taken their time to come to Aweil despite numerous logistical difficulties and for welcoming Meriekh Aweil in Bentiu.

“You don’t know how much we have appreciated the hospitality you accorded to the team," he added.

(ST)

EAC keen to promote School Games


By Zephania Ubwani |Tuesday, 04 September 2012

The East African Community (EAC) plans to promote Secondary School Games in order to identify, nurture and develop sports talent in the region as well as enhance regional integration.

This was said by the Burundi minister for Primary and Secondary Teaching, Crafts, Professional Teaching and Literacy, Severin Buzingo, when he was closing the EA Secondary School Games and Sports in Bujumbura over the weekend. Over 2,000 students and 200 officials from Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Uganda and South Sudan took part in the competition. It could not be explained why Tanzania failed to participate in the regional tourney.

He hailed participation of the partner states and the Republic of South Sudan in the games, saying they (games) were contributing to the building of confidence among the youth and the people as well as strengthening the East African spirit and identity.

The Federation of EA Secondary Schools Sports Association (Feasssa) president Justus Mugisha commended the partner states’ ministries of education and sports for supporting the annual games and sports competitions among secondary schools in the region.

Mugisha noted that this year’s edition coincided with the 2012 Olympics in London where all the partner states participated and the region recorded a dismal three gold medals (Kenya 2 and Uganda 1). He said the annual competition provides the partner states a rare opportunity to prepare for future gold medals and “always remember that competition is the heartbeat of sports”.

He announced new changes in the structure of the games." With immediate effect the tournament will be for only students under 19 while new games are to be introduced, namely table tennis andbadminton and later swimming". He also announced that the next tournament will be held in August 2013 in South Sudan. A verification team will travel to South Sudan in December 2012 to assess the preparedness of the country to host the games. Should the country not be ready. the games will then be held in Rwanda, Mr. Mugisha added.

The Feasssa president decried the absence of teams from Tanzania for the last two editions and appealed for their participation in the Juba event next year.

EAC secretary general Richard Sezibera commended the ministries of education and sports under Feasssa for organising the games.

He said through the years the Partner States had shared historical, cultural and sports experience that need to be reaffirmed and reclaimed for “our cultural and sporting identity”, adding that “as a region we have continued to enjoy close educational, scientific, social, economic and cultural ties to our own mutual benefit”.

He noted that in East Africa sports had always been about inclusion and citizenship. Sports activities across the continent had brought individuals and communities together, highlighting the commonalities and at the same time bridging cultural or ethnic differences.

Link (http://thecitizen.co.tz/sport/-/25469-eac-keen-to-promote-school-games)

^^ Kudos to organisers for awarding the next Secondary Schools Games to South Sudan. :cheers:

South Sudan secures 3rd position in boys’ basketball

Sunday, 02 September 2012

The 11th edition of the East Africa secondary schools competitions concluded on Saturday in Bujumbura, Burundi.

South Sudan secured the third position in both boys' basketball and athletics finals.

In the boys football finals, St. Mary Ketende of Uganda beat Kisumu of Kenya one – nil.

Link (http://www.mirayafm.org/index.php/sport-news/9434-s-sudan-secures-3rd-position-in-boys-basketball-)

8HXcVAQg-f0

FIFA gives $1M to South Sudan football federation

Published 10:09 a.m., Wednesday, September 26, 2012

ZURICH (AP) — FIFA is to give $1 million to the South Sudan football federation to help its newest member build a headquarters in capital city Juba.

South Sudan was accepted as the 209th FIFA member in May and played its first recognized international match several weeks later, drawing 2-2 with visiting Uganda to be currently ranked No. 197th.

FIFA says its development committee has granted $500,000 from Goal Project funds to build offices and a playing surface in Juba.

South Sudan will receive an additional $500,000 from a fund targeting poorer members to help with "laying solid foundations for the new organization."

South Sudan became officially independent from Sudan in July 2011.

Link (http://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/FIFA-gives-1M-to-South-Sudan-football-federation-3896103.php#ixzz27caNplt2)

2012 Cecafa Challenge Cup Draw

Groups

A: Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan

B: Sudan, Tanzania, Burundi, Somalia

C: Rwanda, Malawi, Zanzibar, Eritrea

^^ That's a tough draw.....good luck to Bright Stars.

Great finally South Sudan in a continental football competition. I hope Sudan and South Sudan play each other but this only happens if they qualify in their groups. My second team will be South Sudan but I doubt that they can make it to the knockouts.:banana::banana::banana:

Great finally South Sudan in a continental football competition. I hope Sudan and South Sudan play each other but this only happens if they qualify in their groups. My second team will be South Sudan but I doubt that they can make it to the knockouts.:banana::banana::banana:

I know right! No matter what happens, South Sudan already won by being a participant :banana: On two Sudans meeting...well, anything is possible. But, if South Sudan ends up not making it out of group stages as expected......then, good luck to Sudan. :)

CECAFA Cup squad named:

Juma Genaro
Deng Atiti
Miskeen Emmanuel
Jackson Mubaraka
Richard Justin
Thomas Jacob Mathew
Hassan Rifaya
Villion Silvestre Nimeri
Suleiman Martin
Atak Luwal
Khamis Martin
Jimmy Tombe
Johnson Deng
Adnan Nan
Atir Thomas
Kone James
James Joseph Moga
Khamis Liano
Lobar Zariba
Zachariah Atinasio

Maldives club Maziya sign South Sudanese player Ladule Lako LoSarah

The 2012 Maldives FA Cup champions have signed the former San Diego Flash striker as it prepares for the new domestic season and the AFC Asian Cup.

http://u.goal.com/251000/251024hp2.jpg

By Khalis Rifhan | Feb 1, 2013

Maldives top-division club Maziya Sports and Recreation Club have beefed up their squad ahead of their local domestic season and the AFC Asian Cup by signing several players from the Maldives national team, as well as American-South Sudan player Ladule Lako LoSarah.

Maziya ended the 2012 season as league runners-up, but qualified for Asia’s second-tier club competition after they won the FA Cup by seeing off Club Eagles 2-1 in the final.

Singapore-based football management firm Trebol Sports International was responsible for securing LoSarah’s five-day trial in Maldives and the 1.91m striker impressed the club's management with his unique combination of technique, intelligence, speed and aerial prowess.

After putting pen to paper, the California native declared himself thrilled with the prospect of facing off against some of the best clubs in Asia.

"It's a real delight and [a] fantastic opportunity to sign for this club. Maziya is a model professional outfit with knowledgeable coaching staff, excellent facilities and equipment, strong front office support and most importantly, [they are] full of ambition," the 25-year-old said.

“I'm excited to be part of Maziya's maiden shot at continental glory in the 2013 AFC Cup. I look forward to improving my game through hard work during training and contributing to Maziya's title challenge and FA Cup defense with lots of goals this season.”

LoSarah previously played for Macedonian top-flight club FK Bregalnica Stip in 2010 before making the move to American fourth-tier regional league club San Diego Flash a year later.

Goal (http://www.goal.com/en-sg/news/3952/asia/2013/02/01/3713640/maldives-club-maziya-sign-south-sudanese-player-ladule-lako)

After fleeing from war-torn Sudan, Dau Jok becomes a leader at Penn

By Brian Kotloff | January, 30 |2013

http://i2.cdn.turner.com/si/dam/assets/130130092936-dau-jok-story-body.jpg
Penn's Dau Jok escaped from war-torn Sudan and fled to Iowa when he was just 11 years old.

When Dau Jok returned to his native Sudan last summer, he saw desperation on his relatives' faces -- looks so wrenching they "make you want to cry on the spot," he says. Their voices carried with them two harrowing reminders: Fourteen years after his father's murder, Jok's family is still starving for someone to guide them out of the hell they're living. Fourteen years, and still the only man wired to replace Sudanese general Dut Jok remains his spitting-image son. "We're not going to cry as long as you're alive," they always told young Jok after his father, a rebel commander and sage, was killed, "because your dad is alive in you."

Jok wanted to visit his father's grave in Mayen Thon. His relatives prayed that he wouldn't, and he listened. Just one year into South Sudan's independence, the village had again been swallowed by the tribal and ethnic warfare that has plagued the nation since its birth -- most gruesomely pitting Africans from the south against Arabs from the north. So Jok brought his father's spirit back to the University of Pennsylvania, along with a realization: "Everyone's hope is on me finishing school."

Months later, he sits in the stands of the historic Palestra, wearing a basketball jersey and gym shorts. Here, he is nothing but a junior shooting guard on a 3-15 team. But Jok leaves little doubt that Penn has changed him, or at least allowed several parts of him to flourish: The activist, whose Dut Jok Youth Foundation, boosted by a $10,000 grant from winning the Davis Projects for Peace award as a freshman, aims to educate Sudanese youth through sport; the thinker, who studies Martin Luther King Jr. and Sun Tzu in his free time and regularly engages in hours-long debates with his peers; and the tireless worker, who shoots a jumper for every bullet he would have shot had he not fled for Iowa at age 11.

Now the boy who learned to write by scraping dirt with sticks is taking Linguistics, Logic and Global Justice. Now the visionary whose goal is "to be the most influential person in South Sudan" is receiving the education and developing the connections to inch toward it. And instead of tribesmen, he has teammates to do battle with, to rally and protect.

The doubts of others have fueled him since the kids in sixth grade teased him for the way he looked, dressed, spoke and ate, since the ESL teachers skipped him during reading class. Back then, he picked up a basketball to beat his tormenters at their own game and studied until 3 in the morning to learn English. That commitment to excellence continues today.

How else could a basketball player inspire the coach who plays him 12.9 minutes per game to say the things that Jerome Allen says of Jok -- not to mention name him a captain?

"The title goes with what he's done since his first day on campus. It fits with who he is," says Allen. "The university has benefited more from him being here than he has from being at the university."

*****

Basketball came at the perfect time for Jok, a gem he uncovered after his grandmother found a sponsor for him, his mother and brother in Des Moines' Saint Ambrose Cathedral. In every sense, the sport was perfect. Here was a game in which its defining skill, shooting, could be mastered through repetition. All Jok had to do was walk the three miles to the YMCA in the chilly Iowa winter, then wait 20 minutes inside until he could feel his hands again. At his peak, before he averaged more than 14 points per game as a junior at Roosevelt High, he stayed for eight hours each day.

"I felt like I had a purpose," he says, recalling his Sudanese peers who ended up in gangs or jail while he shot his way onto the mid-major recruiting radar.

But the game was never the end, only the means. It allowed Jok to distract himself from life's pressures. What is my purpose in the world? If I die today, what will people say about me? "I'm always thinking," he says. "Basketball's probably the only time I'm not thinking."

Even today, three years after the scholarship offer that changed his life, the anger still hibernates within him. The other side of Jok -- the one that compelled him to wrap his six-year-old fingers around an AK-47 moments after his slain father was carried home -- still wages war with the man he's become.

"You need to stay close to the foundation," the man in him reasons. He talks of pursuing a Master's and a PhD in education, and landing a job that would give the foundation a financial backbone. "You were chosen to be in this position not for you, but for other people."

"Why is it that I was chosen?" rages the boy, the one birthed by South Sudan's ruthlessness, the reminder that this 20-year-old who speaks like a politician and thinks like a philosopher grew up in a breeding ground of violence. His childhood days were routinely interrupted by the growl of Antonov bomber planes, the cue to run for cover in holes dug into the soil. His playtime consisted of sneaky ventures into his father's gun storage room to fiddle with his choice of 400-some pieces of bone-rattling steel.

Four months after he committed to Penn, he nearly snapped. His grandfather, Gok Dinka paramount chief Jok Dau Kachuol, had been killed in crossfire. When he heard the news on that Saturday in February before basketball practice, he curled up on the armrest of his home sofa and froze. Five ... 15 ... 30 minutes passed. Over a decade of loss, he had grown immune to bad news; death had lost its gravity. "You hear something that gets you angry, but emotionally you're numb. It's hard to explain," he says, for once in search of words. "I didn't not feel emotion. ... You do. ... But after you've been around it so much, there's nothing that sticks out.

"But my grandfather's death brought everything back. My dad's death -- everything."

The tears rushed back, too, along with the most enraging of thoughts. That his people are dying of starvation and disease. That they have no clean water. That his tribe has no leader. And, most of all, that he could do nothing about any of it. He vowed revenge.

Then he thought of Penn, and the education it would provide him. He thought of those responsible for his country's misfortune, and how they would sleep well regardless of his feelings. And he forgave them, or at least "tricked" himself into doing so, so that he could sleep.

He still thinks about retaliating. For his most recent answer to the impossible questions -- how to enact change without being viewed as the enemy; how to solve problems peacefully in a nation that only knows violence -- he turned to Malcolm X. "By any means necessary," he asserts, his mind stirring after another afternoon practice. "The dream is to do it without violence. Just don't get it twisted. If you want to fight, as a last resort..." He smacks the back of his right hand into his left palm with each word. "We will fight."

When reason takes over, he thinks of his family, of his education, of how much he has to lose. "I have other ways of fighting back," he concedes. "I'm always finding ways."

Link (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/college-basketball/news/20130130/dau-jok-penn/)

South Sudan debut in CAF clubs competition

By Muhammad Iqbal | Sunday, 17 February 2013

http://www.brecorder.com/images/2013/02/000012.jpg

JOHANNESBURG: El Nasir became the first South Sudan club to compete in a CAF competition this weekend, but they conceded a couple of late goals to lose 3-1 at Azam of Tanzania in the Confederation Cup.

More here (http://www.brecorder.com/sports/other-sports/106552-late-goals-spoil-south-sudan-club-debut.html)

SSFA president and vice elected

(27th February 2013) - The General Assembly of the South Sudan Football Association (SSFA) has held elections for the President and Vice President of the association. Chibor Goach Alie, has been elected President while Andrea Abdallah Tumbutu, a member of the football association in Western Bahr el Ghazal, has been elected vice.

The two were the only candidates vying for the positions and were elected unopposed by 31 members of the association’s general assembly.
The elections took place in Juba, in the presence of officials from the international football governing body FIFA and the Confederation of the African Football (CAF).

CAF representative, Edgard Tiga, said the new elections should bring a stop to all wrangles within the football body.

Miraya (http://www.radiomiraya.org/news-202/sports/10833-ssfa-president-and-vice-elected.html#gsc.tab=0)

Former Portuguese International Footballer To Launch Football Academy

Written by Juma John Stephen | Published on Tuesday, 05 March 2013

http://www.gurtong.net/Portals/0/GlobalResources/EN/images/Editorial/Luis%20Figo%20Photo%20by%20Juma%20John%20Stephen%20%286%29.jpg
Luís Figo is a Portuguese former international footballer. He played as a midfielder for Sporting CP, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Internazionale. [Juma John Stephen]

Briefing the press after his arrival, Figo said he is in the country in partnership with Star Petroleum Company to explore ways of supporting the young nation in sports.

“I have come here to try to help develop the sport. We are going to have a meeting with the government. We are going to have a sports academy. Am happy to be here and I like the welcome you give me,” said Figo.

According to the Star Petroleum representative, Farshad Zandi, there are more opportunities for football lovers in South Sudan to see that the game is developed professionally with top trainers.

“We have come to support the sport in South Sudan we are going to bring some coaches from Madrid to training here,” said Zandi.

He will meet the Government Spokesperson Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin.

The Director for Sports said the academy will help in training South Sudanese footballers to be able to compete globally.

Link (http://www.oyetimes.com/news/africa/37413-former-portuguese-international-footballer-to-launch-football-academy)

:applause: Guor Marial interview (http://www.runnersworld.com/elite-runners/new-us-elite-guor-marial-bears-lessons-difficult-upbringing)

Rugby Comes to South Sudan

March 13, 2013 | VOM

http://gdb.voanews.com/6BA4362F-C2A5-45F4-9747-8ED759C9EAF6_w640_r1_s_cx0_cy12_cw0.jpg

The SSBL Warriors in red and the Shalina Sharks compete in the first-ever rugby match in South Sudan over the weekend of March 9-10, 2013.(VOA/Mugume Davis)

JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN — A week after the announcement that South Sudan is to have a soccer academy, championed by former Portuguese international Luis Figo, the world's newest nation tried its hand at another European game: rugby.

Hundreds of Juba residents turned out to watch a rugby match that pitted the “SSBL Warriors”, sponsored by South Sudan's first brewery, South Sudan Beverages Limited, against the “Shalina Sharks”, which is backed by Shalina Pharmaceuticals.

The Warriors won the match, 30-15, but fans and players said that what mattered more than the numbers on the scoreboard was that South Sudan has made a foray into rugby and that money was raised for children in need.

"I don’t even know what the score was," said Louis Peters of South Africa, who played for the Warriors and happens to be the commercial head of South Sudan Beverages Limited.

"I know that we won, but that’s not the point of this. It’s not so much about winning than it’s about having a good time, playing sports and getting lots of money for charity.”

Read more here (http://www.voanews.com/content/south-sudan-rugby/1619297.html)

South Sudan Kickboxing Team Prepares For Kampala Challenge

Written by Juma John Stephen | Published on Wednesday, 03 April 2013

The team’s Head Coach, Puro Okelo Obo revealed that the 10 man team is invited to compete on 19 April but because of the financial difficulties, only six will represent the country.

“I have Simba Bus Company which is going to support us they have given us half of the tickets for the whole team to and fro. I also have Vivacell sponsoring us for the team to go to Uganda and also Ethiopia this year,” he said.

“We shall have the African Continent Kickboxing Championship going to take place here in Juba to celebrate our second anniversary for Independence. We have also agreed with Vivacell for them to sponsor it as well,” he added.

“The winners of the July 5th will receive World Kickboxing Federation Belt. The team must prepare very well because this is amounting to a World Cup for your information, these will include, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan, we are extending our invitation to South Africa,” Puro stressed.

He said that the President of the World Kickboxing Federation will be present during the tournament in Juba.

More here (http://www.oyetimes.com/news/africa/39374-south-sudan-kickboxing-team-prepares-for-kampala-challenge)