By: Emmanuel Patrick Laku | Sports Hunter South Sudan
Juba, South Sudan -El Merriekh Bentiu head coach Jean Claude Loboko has dismissed reports suggesting that he stepped down from his position on 19 October 2026, insisting that he is currently in France and not Uganda.
In an exclusive exchange with Sports Hunter South Sudan, Loboko was asked about reports published by other media outlets claiming that he had resigned as head coach, citing disagreements with the club's management and alleged unmet commitments, including accommodation and feeding allowances.
"It's not true," Loboko told Sports Hunter South Sudan, dismissing the reports.
The coach also clarified his current whereabouts after reports placed him in Kampala, Uganda.
"I am not in Uganda. I am a French citizen, why should I stay in Uganda? I am in France now," he said.
Loboko further expressed his willingness to discuss the situation, proposing a conversation with Sports Hunter South Sudan next week.
"We can talk next week if you want. Thank you," he added.
His response comes amid growing questions about his involvement with the Bentiu-based club, particularly following his absence from both legs of El Merriekh's CAF Champions League second preliminary round encounter against Egyptian giants Pyramids FC.
Appointed on 19 June 2026, Loboko signed a one-year contract with El Merriekh, which is expected to run until June 2027.
Before joining the Bentiu-based side, the French-born Congolese coach established himself in South Sudan football during his successful spell at Jamus SC.
He guided the Buffaloes to the South Sudan Super Cup, South Sudan National Cup and the inaugural South Sudan Premier League title in the 2024/2025 season, while also overseeing an unbeaten league campaign.
His coaching experience also includes spells at CD Don Bosco FC and Blessings FC in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as serving as head coach of the DRC U23 national team.
At El Merriekh, Loboko began his competitive campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Al Ghazala SC in the South Sudan Super Cup, followed by draws against newly promoted Munuki SC (2-2) and Super Stars (1-1) in the opening two rounds of the Premier League.
He registered his first victory on 5 September 2026, guiding El Merriekh to a 1-0 win over Heegan SC in the first leg of the CAF Champions League first preliminary round at Juba National Stadium.
The Bentiu-based side completed the tie with a 3-0 victory on 12 September, also at Juba National Stadium.
However, his subsequent absence from the club's continental fixtures against Pyramids FC has continued to raise questions about his current involvement.
While Loboko has now directly denied reports that he stepped down on 19 October and clarified that he is in France, questions remain about his relationship with the club's management and whether he intends to return to South Sudan to resume his duties.
Sports Hunter South Sudan will seek further clarification from the coach next week as developments surrounding his future at El Merriekh Bentiu continue.
