By: Emmanuel Patrick Laku | Sports Hunter South Sudan | 24th July 2026
Juba, South Sudan – South Sudan Minister of Youth and Sports Atong Kuol Manyang has called for increased investment in football infrastructure, youth development and sports programmes, saying limited funding and poor facilities remain major challenges affecting the growth of football in the country.
Speaking during the opening session of the South Sudan Football Federation (SSFF) Football Competitions Season Annual Review Workshop at Imperial Plaza Hotel in Juba on Friday, Atong said football remains the most popular sport among young people across South Sudan.
“Football is a game that is loved by our young people. Whether in schools, in towns, in the states, and even at the lowest level in the villages, it is football,” Atong said.
The minister noted that despite the passion for football among South Sudanese communities, many young players continue to face challenges due to inadequate training facilities and limited resources. She highlighted the shortage of quality playing surfaces, saying many players across the country train on rough and dusty fields, which affects their preparation and competitiveness when facing teams from countries with better football infrastructure.
“Those children need to be supported. Even the infrastructure itself, most of those areas are rough and dusty. I am told that we have only two stadiums with artificial turf, probably the ones in Juba. I don’t know about the states, but if only two are in Juba, then this is probably a challenge across the country,” she said.
Atong also pointed to financial challenges affecting football administration, including support for coaches, referees, federation operations and training programmes.
“In terms of funding, we are unable to do other kinds of support that need finances, whether it is the operation of offices, coaches, referees, or training other people. Everything ends up with money,” she added.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting football development, especially when South Sudan national teams participate in international competitions, while urging continued cooperation between the government, SSFF and football stakeholders.
The SSFF Football Competitions Season Annual Review Workshop brings together football administrators, clubs and stakeholders to evaluate the previous season, identify challenges and discuss strategies to improve football competitions and development in South Sudan.
