By: Emmanuel Patrick Laku | SPorts Hunter South Sudan

JUBA, South Sudan — Questions remain around the formation and preparation of South Sudan's Under-15 national team ahead of its expected trip to Baku, Azerbaijan, with details of the player selection process and technical structure yet to be clearly communicated.

Sports Hunter South Sudan recently observed an Under-15 training session at Buluk Playground in Juba as the young players continued their preparations for the trip.

The session provided an opportunity to observe the group at work, including members of the technical team, while also raising questions about how the squad was assembled and when the selection process took place.

WHO IS LEADING THE U-15 TEAM?

During the session observed by Sports Hunter South Sudan, Mourinho of Young Legend Academy was seen leading the training. Juma and Khamis Leon were working with the players as assistants, while Richard was handling the goalkeepers.

According to information obtained by Sports Hunter South Sudan, Mourinho holds a CAF D Diploma, while Juma and Khamis Leon hold CAF C qualifications. Richard, who is responsible for the goalkeepers, also holds a CAF D Diploma.

However, coaching qualifications alone do not establish the official hierarchy of a national-team technical staff.

The key question is therefore who has been formally appointed to each position.

Sports Hunter South Sudan is seeking clarification on who officially appointed the U-15 head coach, when that appointment was made and the roles assigned to the other members of the technical team.

HOW WERE THE PLAYERS SELECTED?

The player selection process is another area where further information could provide clarity. It remains unclear whether the players currently preparing for Baku were identified through open trials, academy scouting, club recommendations, federation scouting or a combination of these methods.

The timing of the process is also important.

When did the selection begin?

Who conducted the assessment?

How many players were considered?

Which academies or clubs were involved?

And when were the selected players officially called into camp?

At U-15 level, these questions are particularly relevant as young players are still developing and academies play an important role in the country's football pathway.

FROM BULUK TO BAKU

The preparations at Buluk Playground are part of the build-up to what could be an important international experience for the young players. Travelling to Baku, Azerbaijan would give the U-15 group an opportunity to experience football outside South Sudan and potentially test themselves in a different environment.

But before the team departs, questions remain about the process through which the players were brought together and the structure under which they are being prepared.

WHAT IS THE OFFICIAL TECHNICAL STRUCTURE?

Sports Hunter South Sudan is seeking confirmation of the official technical team, including:

Head coach
Assistant coaches
Goalkeeper coach
Team manager
Fitness and medical personnel
Other officials accompanying the delegation

Clear communication of these roles would help establish who is responsible for the sporting and administrative preparation of the team. It would also provide clarity for the players, parents, academies and clubs involved in the development of the young footballers.

TRAINING KIT AND EQUIPMENT

During the session, the players were seen using training bibs. The use of bibs is a normal part of football training and, on its own, does not indicate any administrative issue.

The broader question is whether the U-15 national team has been provided with official training equipment and appropriate preparations ahead of its international trip to Azerbaijan.

WHAT SPORTS HUNTER SOUTH SUDAN IS SEEKING

Sports Hunter South Sudan is seeking factual clarification from the South Sudan Football Federation on the U-15 programme, including:

Who selected the players?

When did the selection take place?

What criteria were used?

Were clubs and academies involved?

When were the players officially called into camp?

Who officially appointed the head coach?

When was the technical team appointed?

What are the official roles of the coaches currently working with the team?

What is the official purpose and programme of the Baku trip?

These questions are intended to provide a clearer picture of the organisation of the U-15 national team and its preparations for Azerbaijan.

THE NEXT GENERATION

For the young players involved, the Baku trip represents an opportunity to gain international experience and continue their development. The immediate focus will be on preparation, but the process behind the team is equally important.

From player identification and selection to the appointment of the technical staff, clarity can help strengthen the pathway from youth and academy football to South Sudan's national teams.

Sports Hunter South Sudan will continue to seek clarification from the relevant football authorities and will update the story when additional information is provided and verified.