The renowned football coach and former international player Teng Deng, who has declared his candidacy for the presidency of the South Sudan Football Federation (SSFF), has pledged to usher in a new era of reform, transparency, and results-oriented leadership in South Sudanese football.
Teng, 38, is the only contender in the four-man contest with a substantial football career, both on the pitch and from the dugout.
Many South Sudanese see echoes of Luol Deng’s transformative leadership in Teng Deng, recalling how Luol elevated the national basketball team after taking the reins from home-based officials.
With over 15 years of global experience, including coaching stints at Arsenal FC, Tottenham, Fulham, and Peterborough United youth teams, and work with the U.S. youth national team, he enters the race with a mission: to fix South Sudanese football at its core.
“For a long time, we haven’t been winning. That needs to change. The most important thing in football is winning, not just administration,” he said during an interview with Standard Zone News sport journalist Bullen Bala.
At the top of his short-term agenda is restoring South Sudan’s competitiveness in regional and international football.
Having spent years in the football field, presidential candidate Teny believes his experience and connections will make it easier to attract South Sudanese professional players based in England, Australia, Germany, and across Africa to join the national team.
He sees their inclusion as vital to strengthening South Sudan’s competitive edge on the international stage.
“Let’s bring in our big names from Germany, the UK, Australia, and Africa to join the home-based players and build a team that delivers results,” he added.
He aims to bring professionalism to the technical bench, address issues facing local coaches, and introduce structured player development programs.
Another key pillar of Teng’s campaign is transparency and accountability within the federation.
“Football should be based on facts, not assumptions,” he emphasized. “We will work closely with the media, without interference, especially when it comes to investigating football-related matters. You will judge me by results.”
He also promised to prioritize player welfare, particularly those representing the national team, alongside fair treatment for coaches and referees.
At the grassroots level, Teng is pledging to launch school competitions from primary to university levels nationwide, and improve football infrastructure across the country.
Teng further plans to boost women’s football and attract investment through corporate partnerships, highlighting the need for financial transparency to gain investor confidence.
Addressing the politics of football governance, he urged South Sudanese to choose leaders on merits and experiences and someone who will build a future for even grandchildren.
Teng will face stiff competition from incumbent Gen. Augustino Maduot Parek, former president Francis Amin, and Munuki FC chairman Adv. Kamal John Nyeart Akol.
However, his unique background in elite football systems and coaching education, holding UEFA and USSF licenses sets him apart as a transformative figure.
Whether his vision resonates with voters remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Teng Deng says he is entering the race not just to lead, but to reform football in South Sudan from the ground up.
In summary
Teng Deng says his candidacy is not about prestige but about ushering in a new era of transparency and professionalism in South Sudanese football.
His agenda includes expanding sports infrastructure, organizing fair nationwide tournaments, nurturing young talent, training technical staff, and forging international partnerships to advance the game.
