Kiir lauds national basketball team after unprecedented FIBA wins

JUBA – South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Monday praised his country’s basketball team following unprecedented consecutive wins against three African teams including African champions Tunisia.

South Sudan on Sunday evening defeated Cameroon 67-56, to maintain their lead to secure a ticket to the 2^nd round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifiers, after having defeated Rwanda and Tunisia the previous day.

In a statement, the president congratulated the team and vowed to accord the team a reception upon return at Juba International Airport.

“On behalf of the Government and citizens of South Sudan I congratulate the South Sudan’s Men National Basketball team for string of strong performances in the just concluded International Basketball Federation (FIBA) qualifications in Rwanda,” Kiir said in a statement this evening.

“Your performances have uplifted the spirit of South Sudanese across the globe and the entire nation stands behind you. Keep on working hard to achieve greater height in the next qualifications around in August,” he added.

He further said: “I wish you all well and look forward to receiving you in Juba to celebrate your success together.”