South Sudan National Football Team Secures $500,000 Funding for 2023-2025 Operations

In a significant move to bolster the South Sudan national football team, the Council of Ministers granted approval for a financial allocation of $500,000, covering the period from November 2023 to the conclusion of qualifications in October 2025. The decision follows a presentation by the former Minister of Youth and Sport, Dr. Albino Bol Dhieu, who initially sought $2,583,000 for the team’s activities.

Government spokesperson Michael Makuei, addressing the press post-meeting, revealed that the cabinet greenlit the $500,000 budget to encompass all expenses associated with the national football team’s operations. The South Sudan Football Association outlined their extensive program of international competitions, extending until October 14, 2025, prompting the funding request.

Makuei emphasized that the Minister of Finance and Planning would release the approved amount in installments. The initial $500,000 will cater to upcoming matches scheduled for November 18th and 20th, with the remainder earmarked for disbursement in 2024 and 2025.

“While the entire sum has been approved, it will be disbursed gradually as it aligns with the budgetary allocations,” stated Makuei.

According to FIFA’s schedule, the first two matches in each group are slated to occur between November 15 and 21, followed by rounds three and four in June. Qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations are also on the agenda for 2024. The final six match days of the World Cup qualifiers will span international windows in March, September, and October 2025.

Group A features Egypt, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, and Djibouti, while Group B includes Senegal, DR Congo, Mauritania, Togo, Sudan, and South Sudan.

The South Sudan national football team recently faced a challenging start to their FIFA World Qualification journey, succumbing to a 4-0 defeat against Senegal at Stade Me. Abdoulaye Wade over the weekend. The team is gearing up for upcoming matches with resilience, backed by the approved financial support.