On Saturday, 21st December the South Sudan Football Association launched the first edition of the South Sudan Premier League at the prestigious Radisson Blue Hotel in Juba.
With 14 teams from local football associations ready to compete, the Premier League promises to be a thrilling event for all football fans in the region.
The inauguration ceremony was a star-studded affair, graced by athletes, ambassadors from various countries, and officials from the tournament sponsor, MTN.
The guest of honour, the Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to South Sudan, along with representatives from the Nigerian and Sudanese embassies, added to the prestige of the event. Notable attendees included James Joseph, former player of the national team Bright Star, who added his expertise and experience to the celebrations.
The Premier League fixtures have been officially announced, with the opening match between Merreikh Bentiu SC and Malakia FC Juba scheduled for tomorrow, 23rd December, at 3:00 PM at the iconic Juba Stadium. Get ready to witness some top-class football action.
Introducing the Premier League in South Sudan, Mr Victor Lawrence, the Secretary General of the association, emphasized the importance of this league for the youth to shine in football. He highlighted the need for top clubs to participate in this groundbreaking first edition, setting the stage for a model of successful teamwork in the sport.
Mr Wiyual Lampouch, the Chairman of the Organizing Committee, highlighted the significance of the Premier League launch, marking a new era for football development in the country. He expressed gratitude to Mr Augustino Maduot for his dedication to elevating football through the initiation of the first-ever professional league.
Speaking on behalf of the local associations, Mr Maurice Felix, President of the Juba Local Association, emphasized their readiness to collaborate with clubs in Juba, showcasing support for all teams in the Premier League. Despite challenges, he commended the Federation for establishing the league and encouraged private sector companies to back the clubs.
Jal Lui, the representative of the Premier League clubs, hailed the competition as a historic milestone for Sudanese football, underscoring the clubs’ pivotal role in its success. He recognized the clubs’ dedication and commitment to the inaugural Premier League.
A representative from the sponsor of the Premier League, MTN, affirmed its unwavering support and commitment to sustaining the championship. They pledged to collaborate with the Football Association to ensure the success of the league’s first edition, extending well wishes for a prosperous Premier League journey.
Former national team star James Joseph commended the impact of the Premier League championship in fostering football development. He thanked the sponsoring company and urged other South Sudanese companies to support sports, particularly football, emphasizing the sport’s role in promoting unity, peace, and cooperation among nations.
Ambassador Nhial Deng Nhial highlighted the significance of sports as an industry that bolsters economies, emphasizing the Premier League’s role in elevating the country’s reputation internationally. He underscored the importance of local federations backing the federation’s initiatives for football development and urged the private sector to invest in sports to stimulate economic growth and provide employment opportunities for the youth.
Yahya Mohammed from the Sudanese Embassy in Juba expressed delight at the launch of the Premier League, affirming the embassy’s commitment to collaborating with the union to ensure the league’s prosperity as a symbol of camaraderie among the nation’s youth.
Mr George, the representative of the Nigerian Embassy, stressed the unifying power of football for communities, urging South Sudanese officials to prioritize sports and provide necessary resources to foster unity among the youth.
The former head of the Juba Local Football Association and Council of States member, Mr Jaden Jada, commended the establishment of the Premier League, recognizing the initial generation’s support for South Sudan’s accession to the CAF.
President Mr Augustino Maduot expressed his gratitude to everyone who contributed to making the Premier League a reality. He acknowledged the vital support of MTN in ensuring the championship’s success and emphasized the significance of this league aligning with international football standards.
The establishment of the Premier League is a historic milestone for local players and the development of football in South Sudan. Mr Maduot stressed the importance of transforming football into a thriving industry and entertainment sector in the country. Despite financial challenges, the administration’s dedication, along with the support of the Board of Directors and local federation, made the inaugural Premier League a resounding success, looking ahead, the focus is on elevating national teams and enhancing player skills at all levels, with the Premier League playing a pivotal role in this journey. The commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a culture of excellence in football is at the core of this groundbreaking initiative.
These distinguished individuals and entities collectively advocate for the promotion of sports as a catalyst for unity, economic advancement, and youth empowerment. Join us in supporting the Premier League and embracing the positive impact of sports on society.
