By: Emmanuel Patrick Laku | Sports Hunter South Sudan | 28th July 2026
JUBA, South Sudan – Al Huriya FC president Dr. Joseph Monday has challenged his players to approach every pre-season friendly with maximum commitment, revealing plans to organise a rematch against South Sudan Premier League and South Sudan Cup holders El Merriekh SC Bentiu.
Speaking in a video shared by Hattrick 24, during the club's pre-season players' get-together, Monday stressed that friendly matches should be treated as an important part of the club's preparations for the 2026/27 Konyokonyo League campaign.
"Remember when we played El Merriekh Bentiu and we were beaten. Were you happy? They beat us because we celebrated until midnight and played the following morning when we were tired. Now you are looking for revenge, aren't you?" Monday said.
The Al Huriya president revealed that the club intends to arrange another friendly against the reigning South Sudan champions, expressing confidence that his side can produce a different outcome.
"We are going to organise another match with El Merriekh Bentiu, and I believe you guys are going to surprise them," he added.
The two sides last met on 22 May 2025, when El Merriekh SC Bentiu recorded a 4-0 victory over Al Huriya FC at Bulluk Playground in Juba.
The Bentiu-based club went on to complete a historic domestic double, winning both the South Sudan Premier League and the South Sudan Cup.
Al Huriya are using an ambitious pre-season schedule to prepare for only their second campaign in the Juba Football Association First Division League, with the Flames targeting promotion to the South Sudan National League.
