By Kei Emmanuel Duku
South Sudan Football Association (SSFA) Competition Committee has confirmed November 29, 2024, as the official kick-off date for the inaugural South Sudan Premier League. The league is expected to run for six months, concluding on May 31, 2025.
A total of ten teams, drawn from the local football associations across the country, will participate in the first edition of the Premier League.
The deadline for clubs to confirm their participation is Friday, November 22, 2024. The draw for the league will be conducted on Sunday, November 24, 2024, in Juba.
Wiyual Lam, SSFA Chairperson for Competitions, attributed the delay in the league’s start to some technical challenges. However, he assured that the league will commence as scheduled on November 29, 2024, in Juba.
Lam also revealed that MTN Mobile Telecommunication will sponsor the league, though the specific terms of the sponsorship deal were not disclosed.
Victor Lual Lawrence, SSFA General Secretary, expressed gratitude to FIFA for approving the inaugural South Sudan Premier League. He highlighted the league’s potential to nurture young talent and contribute to the overall growth of football at the grassroots level.
During a preparatory meeting held in Juba, SSFA Chairperson Gen. Augustino Madut emphasized the importance of effective collaboration between clubs and the association to ensure a smooth six-month competition.
Robert Zachariah, SSFA Marketing and Investment Committee Chairperson called for increased investment in football to elevate the standard of the game in the country. He urged additional sponsors to support the Premier League, aiming to match the standards of other professional leagues on the continent.