By Kei Emmanuel Duku
As the South Sudan Premier League kicked off yesterday, Jamus FC, a top-flight club in the Juba Local Football Association and promoted to the South Sudan Primer League, has signed eight players to enhance their competitive edge.
Jamus FC are the defending champions of the Juba Local Football Association South Sudan Cup 2024/25, having defeated Malakia FC 5-4 on penalties following a dramatic 2-2 draw a fortnight ago.
They are among the four teams recently added to the South Sudan Premier League by the South Sudan Football Association (SSFA), alongside Wajuma FC, Kator FC, and Bentiu City FC, after meeting the eligibility criteria to participate in the historic league.
To maintain a strong position in the league and compete effectively both domestically and at the continental level, the Juba giants have already completed the signing of Malish Joseph Manses from Kator FC on a two-year contract.
The South Sudan national team midfielder is reported to have cost Jamus FC a substantial sum of $30,000, although this publication could not independently verify the exact amount paid or the specific terms of the agreement between the parties.
The midfielder delivered outstanding performances during the Bright Stars’ 3-2 victory against Rwanda on Sunday evening in the CHAN Championship zonal qualifiers played at Juba Stadium. He is currently with the CHAN National Team, preparing for the return leg to be played in Rwanda on Saturday.
To strengthen their attacking options further, Jamus FC has secured the signature of Madit Mayor Dut, the Juba Local Premier League’s top scorer, on a three-year contract.
Mayor joined Jamus FC on a free transfer after his contract with the current Juba Local Premier League table leaders, Atlabara FC, expired.
At Jamus FC, Mayor will be joined by Cameroonian striker George Rodrigue, who was also signed on a free transfer from Asante Kotoko Sporting Club of Ghana. Rodrigue has been playing professional football with Asante Kotoko in Ghana until his contract expired at the end of last season. His two-year contract with Jamus FC will expire in 2027.
Meanwhile, Future Stars Football Academy (FSFA) also announced on social media the departure of Mario Taban to Jamus FC on a four-year contract. At Jamus FC, Taban will compete for midfield positions with former Academy teammate Joseph Malish Manses, who transferred from Kator to Jamus on the third day of the transfer window.
Both Taban and Joseph began their footballing careers at FSFA in Juba.
Mario’s move from FSFA to Jamus FC ends speculation linking him to a move to Malakia FC.
Some of the latest additions to the Jamus squad include Patrick Oleyo Jimmy Valentino, a striker for Viva Stars FC, a top-flight club in the Juba Local Football League. The terms of Jimmy’s contract with Jamus FC were not disclosed.
Meanwhile, Tito Lukciir is the latest player to depart Simba FC Juba and sign for Jamus FC. Lukciir signed a two-year contract with the Buffalos and will be part of the Jamus FC squad in the inaugural South Sudan Premier League, which kicked off yesterday.