South Sudan national football team during a past tournament [©AFP]
JUBA, 30th October 2011 – 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.
Source: goss.org