By Kidega Livingstone
MTN South Sudan has dashed a cheque worth one hundred and forty-nine million, eight hundred and twenty thousand pounds (SSP 149,820,000) to support the South Sudan Basketball Federation (national team) in the forthcoming Olympic Games.
The support is described as sponsorship of the national team for three years.
MTN said the money would be spent polishing the team to face the competitions for the upcoming games that they believed would give the potential of the national basketball team and the potential of sports its importance in national building.
Speaking to journalists after signing the 149 million-pound check, MTN South Sudan Chief Executive Officer, Gordian Kyomukama, said it is the commitment of the MTN to make sure that the national basketball team brings the name of South Sudan to Africa and the world.
“We need to promote the games of basketball to give the youth the opportunity.” Kyomukama stated, “We know they will do their best to become the best team not only in the World Cup but also in the Olympic Games.”
He underscored that SSBF has done South Sudanese, including MTN, proud, and that they celebrate them following the memories of the qualifiers in Tunisia, then Egypt, and then the World Cup in the Philippines, which culminated in the national team qualification for the Summer Olympics in France later in July this year.
“You have changed perceptions and inspired the nation. You have raised the expectations of both the young and the old in our communities, and going upwards is the only choice. We have every confidence that you will continue on this track of success,” he expressed.
MTN South Sudan CEO presented a check to SSBF for their commitment to the team and continued to support SSBF’s efforts to expand the reach of basketball activities and games.
“Like we did in the past, we will be streaming live these events on our MTN TV+. We will also setup various fan zones during the Olympic games for our people to live the moments with you and create memories as you write history,” he said.
President of the South Sudan Basketball Federation, Luol Deng, said that MTN South Sudan is the ambassador of partnership, saying last time they saw the branded basketball jersey with the MOMO logo displayed at the FIBA headquarters in Mies, Switzerland.
“Associating this new financial services product, the MOMO brand, with the national team is our expression of confidence in the team and the great things MOMO and the National Men’s Basketball team will achieve together in this partnership for South Sudan.” He said.
“You are, hence, our ambassadors, not only on the international scene but also at the national level; there is a lot more we are yet to do on the latter,” Luol added.
During the 3rd Tranche of MTN’s commitment to providing the support required to enable the team to achieve more for the people of South Sudan, SSBF President Luol was accompanied by his team, which included Secretary General Dr. Aru Ramadhan and Secretary of Finance Wal Paul.