Kator Blind Football Club has been crowned champions of the South Sudan Blind Football Championship 2025, sealing their triumph after a tense and closely fought final against Atlabara Blind Football Club in Juba.
The championship decider ended goalless in regular play before Kator edged Atlabara 2–0 in a dramatic penalty shootout, sparking jubilant celebrations among players, officials, and supporters.
The victory capped a highly competitive tournament that brought together four teams Kator, Atlabara, Munuki, and Gudelle Blind Football Clubs highlighting the steady growth of blind football and the expanding space for inclusive sports for persons with visual impairments in South Sudan.
At the conclusion of the championship, Kator Blind Football Club emerged as champions, with Atlabara Blind Football Club finishing as runners-up. Munuki Blind Football Club secured third place, while Gudelle Blind Football Club placed fourth.
Beyond team honors, individual brilliance defined the tournament. Joseph Oya (16) of Kator Blind Football Club was named Best Player of the Tournament, becoming the youngest player to receive the prestigious accolade and underlining the promising future of blind football in the country.
The Top Scorer award was jointly claimed by Martin Lado and Yona Sabri, while Khamis of Kator earned recognition as Best Goalkeeper for his outstanding performances throughout the competition.
Wahid Sabit, head coach of Kator Blind Football Club, was also honored as Best Coach, credited for his tactical discipline and player development.
The championship was organized with the support of the South Sudan Association of the Visually Impaired (SSAVI), in partnership with Light for the World and the adidas Foundation, whose continued backing has played a crucial role in strengthening inclusive sports development nationwide.
Organizers also praised the leadership of the National Paralympic Committee of South Sudan, commending President Peter Baptist and Vice President Akim Chris for their sustained commitment to advancing sports opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Special appreciation was extended to the Korean Mission, particularly Coach Hungselim and Seonjin Ra, for providing material support and gifts to participating teams.
Speaking after the final, one coach underscored the broader significance of the championship, noting that the tournament served as a vital platform for identifying emerging talents capable of reinforcing the national blind football team ahead of the 2025 IBSA African Championship Division One.
Widely regarded as a landmark event, the South Sudan Blind Football Championship 2025 has strengthened talent identification, boosted national team preparation, and reaffirmed the power of sport as a tool for inclusion, opportunity, and national pride.
