By Kei Emmanuel Duku
After three years of renovation, Juba National Stadium was finally inaugurated on Tuesday with a ceremony attended by President Salva Kiir and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
The $7.5 million renovation was funded by FIFA’s Forward Program. However, Gen. Augustino Maduot, South Sudan Football Association (SSFA) President, highlighted the need for an additional $10 million to complete installations like giant screens, floodlights, and a water treatment plant.
Madout emphasized the stadium’s role beyond football, calling it “a secret ground where aspirations and talent are nurtured, and dreams are realized.”
He stressed its importance as a symbol of national unity and youth empowerment.
The official opening was marked by a FIFA World Cup qualifier match between Sudan and South Sudan.
Dr. Geng Joseph Akec, Minister of Youth and Sports, pledged to construct more sporting facilities across the country.
He sees sports as a tool to empower youth, promote peace and unity, and build social cohesion.
Dr. Akec expressed his gratitude to FIFA for supporting the SSFA and urged further assistance to achieve lasting peace in South Sudan.
FIFA President Infantino hailed the inauguration as a historic event that will reunite South Sudan and connect it with other nations.
“Today through football we unite people, Africa and we unite South Sudan with our brothers from Sudan on this historical day,” he said.
“I am happy to have attended this historical Sudan derby. Indeed, football unites the world and its people.”