President Kiir to Open Juba Stadium on June 11, Infantino to Attend Derby as South Sudan Hosts Sudan

President Kiir to Open Juba Stadium on June 11, Infantino to Attend as South Sudan Hosts Sudan

By John Kusolo

In a significant milestone for South Sudan's sports infrastructure, President Salva Kiir Mayardit is set to officially inaugurate the newly completed Juba Stadium on June 11, 2024. This event marks the culmination of a $5 million national stadium project that has been under construction for over two years. The inaugural ceremony will coincide with a high-profile World Cup qualifiers match between the South Sudanese national team and Sudan.

The announcement was made at a news conference held on June 4, 2024, by a high-level inaugural committee composed of senior officials from the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Leading the preparations for this landmark event are Deborah Akech Kuocnin, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and General Maduot Parek, President of the South Sudan Football Association (SSFA), along with several other senior sports officials.

Kuocnin confirmed that President Salva Kiir would preside over the opening ceremony. The event is expected to be graced by the President of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, and other prominent international sports officials. Their presence underscores the significance of this development for South Sudan on the global football stage.

The completion of Juba Stadium marks a pivotal moment in South Sudan's sporting history. Originally, the construction was expected to be completed within eight months after it began in 2019. However, the project faced numerous challenges, including a lack of funding and ownership disputes between the SSFA and the Juba Local Football League (JLFL). Allegations of corruption and financial difficulties further delayed the installation of key features.

The turning point came on March 16, 2024, when a FIFA delegation led by Gelson Fernandes, the Director for African Member Associations, intervened during an inspection visit. FIFA's endorsement and subsequent financial support rejuvenated the project, enabling the resumption and completion of construction.

SSFA President General Maduot Parek expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming event, emphasizing the importance of community support. He called for a massive turnout to cheer on both teams, reassuring the public that adequate security measures would be in place before, during, and after the match to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.

The FIFA President and his delegation are scheduled to arrive in South Sudan on June 9, 2024, for an inspection of the stadium ahead of the grand opening. This visit will also highlight FIFA’s commitment to supporting the development of football infrastructure in emerging nations.

As South Sudan prepares to host this significant match against Sudan, the opening of Juba Stadium symbolizes more than just the completion of a construction project; it represents a new era for sports in the country, fostering national pride and unity through the universal language of football.

Background of the Project

The journey to complete Juba Stadium has been a tumultuous one. Financial constraints and administrative hurdles initially plagued the project. Disputes over the ownership of the playground between the SSFA and the JLFL caused significant delays. Accusations of corruption further complicated progress, stalling the installation of essential features and pushing the project far beyond its initial timeline.

However, the intervention by FIFA brought much-needed momentum. The visit by Gelson Fernandes and subsequent FIFA funding played a critical role in overcoming the financial and logistical obstacles that had impeded progress. FIFA's approval of the stadium for international games was a major milestone, allowing the final phase of construction to proceed smoothly.

Future Implications

The successful completion and inauguration of Juba Stadium will have far-reaching implications for South Sudan. It will provide a state-of-the-art venue for hosting international matches, thereby promoting the country's presence in the global sports arena. Additionally, the stadium will serve as a hub for local sports events, fostering the development of young talent and encouraging greater community engagement in sports.

The inauguration of Juba Stadium is a landmark achievement for South Sudan, symbolizing hope and progress amid challenges. The presence of high-profile figures such as FIFA President Gianni Infantino highlights the international significance of this event. As South Sudanese fans prepare to fill the stands and support their national team, the stadium stands as a testament to the country's resilience and commitment to advancing its sports infrastructure.