The Sports Financing Conference, aimed at attracting diverse investors to support sports development in South Sudan, officially commenced today at the Bank of South Sudan premises in Jebel.
The opening ceremony was graced by Hon. Ramadan Goc, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, representing the President of the Republic, H.E. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit.
In attendance were the Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr Joseph Geng Akech, the Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr Martial Dogrin, the Governor of the Bank of South Sudan, Dr Alic Garang, and other national and state ministers, along with members of the diplomatic corps.
The South Sudan Football Association (SSFA) delegation was led by its President, Gen. Augustino Maduot Parek, accompanied by Hon. Charles Udwar, SSFA Vice President; Mr. Wiyual Lam, Chairman of the Organizing Committee; Mr. Robert Zachariah, Chairman of the Marketing and Investment Committee; and Mr. Victor Lawrence Lual, SSFA Secretary General. The event also saw the participation of the Country Director of Tristar Mr. Ravneesh Aujla, underscoring the importance of collaboration between sports and the private sector.
Addressing the audience, Gen. Maduot highlighted the significant challenges hindering football development in South Sudan, including inadequate funding for the national team’s activities, difficulties in conducting internal competitions, and limited resources for other developmental programs.
“These financial constraints are a major obstacle to the growth of football and sports in South Sudan,” he remarked.
In his closing remarks, Gen. Maduot appealed to the government, non-governmental organizations, and both national and international investors to collaborate in supporting football initiatives. He emphasized the need for collective efforts to elevate the country’s sports sector.
The presence of key stakeholders, including Dr. Alic Garang, the Country Director of Tristar, and other partners, reflects the growing interest in forging partnerships to transform sports in South Sudan. The conference is expected to pave the way for stronger collaborations and investment opportunities in the country’s sports industry.
