JUBA – South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Monday pledged the government’s full support for the development of basketball in South Sudan, reaffirming his commitment to nurturing the country’s rapidly growing sporting talent.
Speaking during a meeting with the president of the South Sudan Basketball Federation, Luol Deng Ajou, in Juba on Monday, Kiir commended the country’s recent achievements on the international stage and described basketball as a powerful tool for promoting national unity and inspiring young people.
“President Kiir reaffirmed his administration’s full support for the development of basketball in South Sudan, commending the federation for its commitment to nurturing young talent and promoting the country’s image abroad,” Kiir said in a Facebook post of the Presidential Press Unit.
Luol Deng Ajou, president of the South Sudan Basketball Federation, briefed Kiir on the progress of both the men’s and women’s national teams, highlighting recent successes and upcoming international competitions.
Deng said the women’s national basketball team is preparing to travel to Mexico for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament, where eight nations will compete for a place at the Olympic Games.
“The women’s team has been preparing well and is ready to represent South Sudan with determination and pride,” Deng said.
He also updated Kiir on the men’s national team’s impressive campaign in the FIBA World Cup qualifiers.
“Our men’s team is currently enjoying a strong run. We stand at four wins and two losses and are second in our group. We are now heading into the final phase of qualification, which consists of six games, three in August and three in February,” Deng explained.
He added that President Kiir conveyed his best wishes to the players and coaching staff as they continue their quest to qualify for the next stage of international competition.
“The President is very proud whenever he receives good news about our teams winning and raising the South Sudan flag on the international stage,” Deng said.
“Our basketball teams have elevated the country’s profile globally and have given people around the world a reason to speak positively about South Sudan.”
As part of the meeting, Deng presented Kiir with a bronze medal won by South Sudan’s Under-18 boys’ team during the FIBA Zone 5 Championship held in Egypt.
The team finished third in the tournament, marking a significant milestone, as it was the country’s first-ever assembled Under-18 national basketball squad.
South Sudan has emerged as one of Africa’s fastest-rising basketball nations in recent years, with its national teams earning recognition for their competitive performances and inspiring a new generation of young athletes across the country.
