El-Merriekh Sporting Club Bentiu has officially appointed French-born Congolese tactician Jean Claude Loboko as its new head coach, signaling the start of a new chapter for the club ahead of the upcoming football season.
The appointment was announced during a ceremony attended by club officials, sponsors, media representatives, and invited guests, where Loboko was formally unveiled as the man tasked with leading the team’s sporting ambitions.
Club officials confirmed that Loboko has signed a one-year contract that will keep him at El-Merriekh SC Bentiu until June 2027.
The unveiling ceremony brought together key members of the club’s leadership, including Secretary General Walai Wunow Keah, Deputy Secretary General Jal Ruai Kuol and others.
Speaking during the event, club leaders expressed confidence in Loboko’s ability to guide the team to greater success, citing his extensive coaching experience and proven record of winning trophies.
Loboko arrives in Bentiu with an impressive résumé built across clubs and national teams in the region. He most recently enjoyed a successful spell with Jamus SC Juba, where he oversaw one of the most remarkable periods in the club’s history.
Under his leadership, Jamus SC captured three major trophies, including the South Sudan Super Cup, the South Sudan National Cup, and the inaugural 2024/25 South Sudan Premier League title.
The achievements established him as one of the most respected coaches currently working in South Sudanese football.
Before joining Jamus SC, Loboko managed CD Don Bosco FC and Blessings FC in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
He also served as head coach of the DR Congo Under-23 National Team, gaining valuable experience in youth development and elite-level competition.
His appointment comes as El-Merriekh SC Bentiu seeks to build on recent progress and strengthen its competitiveness in domestic football.
Club officials believe his experience, tactical knowledge, and winning mentality will play a key role in helping the team achieve its objectives in the coming season.
During the unveiling, Secretary General Walai Wunow Keah thanked outgoing head coach Ibrahim Hussien for his contribution to the club, praising his professionalism and commitment during what he described as a historic period for El-Merriekh SC Bentiu.
The club acknowledged Hussien’s efforts in helping lay the foundation for future success and wished him well in his next chapter.
For Loboko, the appointment presents an opportunity to begin a fresh challenge with one of South Sudan’s ambitious football clubs.
Expectations will be high as supporters look to the experienced coach to replicate the success he enjoyed at Jamus SC and guide El-Merriekh SC Bentiu toward silverware.
The club’s management said the appointment reflects its commitment to building a stronger and more competitive team capable of challenging for honors while continuing to develop local talent.
With preparations for the new season already underway, attention will now turn to Loboko’s plans for the squad as he begins work on shaping a team capable of meeting the club’s ambitions.
El-Merriekh SC Bentiu supporters have welcomed the appointment, expressing optimism that the arrival of a proven trophy-winning coach could help usher in a new era of success for the club.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Jean Claude Loboko as he embarks on the task of turning El-Merriekh SC Bentiu’s aspirations into results on the pitch.
