By Kei Emmanuel Duku
South Sudan’s historic basketball team received a hero’s welcome upon their return from the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Thousands of jubilant fans lined the streets of Juba to greet the team, with Vice President Mama Rebecca Nayandeng among those present.
Speaking at Nimra Talanta Basket Court Stadium, South Sudan Basketball Federation President Loul Deng thanked fans and stakeholders for their unwavering support. He attributed the team’s success to hard work, commitment, and the growing fan base.
“A lot of people didn’t believe in us before, but because of what we are now doing, they have seen potential,” Deng said.
“When we started our games in Kenya, we had huge fans who turned up to cheer us, and that’s what gave us the courage as a team.”
Despite exiting the competition after the group stage, South Sudan made history by becoming the first African nation to win a game at the Olympics.
“We have made history,” Deng said. “We are the first team to make it to the World Cup and Olympics, the first to win its Olympic debut, and the first to move from 100 to the top 20 ranking in the world in less than three and a half years.”
Team captain Kuany Kuany expressed gratitude for the fans’ support and acknowledged the contributions of President Salva Kiir and Loul Deng.
“If I look back when Deng told me four years later, we will be at the Olympics and we will be welcome back like heroes, I told him that won’t happen at all,” Kuany said. “But through his vision and perseverance, South Sudan is now seen all over the world.”
Nuni Omot added, “You have been amazing to us. We went from unknown to known, and globally people didn’t know where South Sudan was. This would not have been possible without your support as fans.”