Juba, Tuesday (June 11, 2024) – H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit officiated the inauguration ceremony of the Juba National Stadium on Tuesday. The highly anticipated World Cup qualifier match between South Sudan and Sudan followed the event.
President Kiir urged South Sudanese to use sports for development and market the country to the world. He also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to consolidating peace and national unity through sports, adding that the government will continue investing in sports, such as sponsoring football and basketball players on the world stage.
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Joseph Geng Akec, noted that South Sudan is celebrating a dream that has set a new era for South Sudan and Sudan. Dr. Geng appealed to the government to support sports development through building sports infrastructure to support sports activities in the country.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who attended the inauguration, said the opening of the Juba stadium is a momentous occasion for the people of South Sudan, emphasizing President Kiir’s and the entire government’s commitment to advancing the country’s sports industry.
Juba National Stadium has been under construction for the last five years by GS Construction Company, funded by FIFA forward fund.
