By Kei Emmanuel Duku
South Sudan Football Association (SSFA) has granted permission to Al-Hilal FC and Al-Merreikh FC, both from Khartoum, Sudan, to play their CAF interclub games at Juba Stadium.
The decision followed a request from the two Sudanese clubs opting for a safe location due to the ongoing conflict, which prevents hosting home matches at their usual stadiums.
In a letter addressed to the clubs’ secretaries, the SSFA noted that the games will be played only after both clubs have met licensing regulations set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
“SSFA accepts to host the home matches of these esteemed teams during the preliminary round of the interclub competition,” the letter reads. “The determination of the group matches will be subject to the CAF Club licensing procedures and inspection.”
The CAF announced on June 3rd that the 2024/2025 CAF Interclub season will begin with the Preliminary Round scheduled between August 16-18, 2024, prompting Al-Hilal FC and Al-Merreikh FC to seek an alternative venue.
Juba Stadium was officially inaugurated earlier this month to host international matches, though not yet at its full capacity of 7,000 spectators.