South Sudan’s national sports teams have received a major boost after the Council of Ministers approved new measures to support the country’s national teams, reaffirming the government’s commitment to sports development at a crucial period when several teams are preparing for continental and international qualifiers.
The decision comes as South Sudan intensifies preparations for major competitions under both the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), with the country’s senior men’s basketball team already in Kigali, Rwanda, ahead of next week’s FIBA qualification tournament.
Speaking after the Cabinet meeting, the government said the approval reflects its commitment to strengthening sports as a vehicle for national unity, youth empowerment, and international representation.
The Cabinet emphasized that investing in national teams is not only about competitive success but also about promoting patriotism and showcasing South Sudan’s potential on the global stage.
The approval is expected to provide relevant institutions with the necessary backing to facilitate preparations, logistics, and participation of the country’s teams in upcoming international competitions.
South Sudan’s basketball team, popularly known as the Bright Stars of Basketball, has already begun its final preparations in Kigali, where it is expected to compete in the upcoming FIBA qualifying window against some of Africa’s strongest basketball nations.
The tournament presents another opportunity for South Sudan to build on its remarkable rise in international basketball following its historic qualification for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup and participation in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, achievements that elevated the country’s profile in world basketball.
Meanwhile, South Sudan’s football national teams are also preparing for upcoming FIFA-sanctioned qualification matches, with football authorities continuing technical preparations as they seek improved performances in continental competitions.
Government officials noted that sustained investment in sports remains essential for nurturing young talent, improving the country’s competitiveness, and inspiring future generations of athletes.
Beyond the sports sector, the Council of Ministers also approved a series of economic reforms aimed at strengthening non-oil revenue collection, reducing dependence on oil income, and improving domestic resource mobilization.
According to the Cabinet, the reforms are intended to enhance public financial management, widen the country’s tax base, improve efficiency within revenue-generating institutions, and ensure greater transparency and accountability in public finance.
The Council directed relevant government agencies to accelerate implementation of the reforms while strengthening compliance systems to support long-term economic resilience amid fluctuations in global oil markets.
The twin decisions underscore the government’s dual priority of investing in national sports while pursuing broader economic reforms designed to diversify the country’s revenue sources and sustain national development.
