By: Emmanuel Patrick Laku | Sports Hunter South Sudan | 28th July 2026
JUBA – The South Sudan Football Federation (SSFF) has taken another step towards resolving the future of the senior men's national team head coach after authorising its Secretariat to finalise contract negotiations.
The decision was reached during the federation’s Ordinary Executive Committee Meeting No. 004/2026, as the Bright Stars prepare for upcoming international assignments.
“The EXCO gave the green light to the SSFF Secretariat to finalise the contract agreement with the Senior Men's National Team’s Head Coach,” the federation said.
However, SSFF did not disclose the identity of the coach involved in the negotiations, leaving uncertainty over whether interim head coach Ashu will be handed a permanent contract.
Ashu, who was appointed on March 12, 2026, returned for his second spell in charge of the Bright Stars and successfully guided South Sudan past Djibouti in the preliminary round to secure qualification for the group stage.
The coach’s future became a talking point after he revealed his disappointment over the lack of communication regarding his position following the qualification achievement.
Despite the uncertainty, Ashu reaffirmed his commitment to South Sudan football and his belief in the progress of the national team.
The latest SSFF decision could now determine whether Ashu continues to lead the Bright Stars on a permanent basis or whether the federation will appoint a new coach ahead of the next phase of international competition.
