Holy Family FC manager seeks support for clubs

The manager of Holy Family Football Club, one of the 14 clubs participating in the ongoing South Sudan Premier League, has called for greater support from well-wishers to address the mounting challenges faced by football clubs in South Sudan.

In December 2024, the South Sudan Football Association (SSFA) launched the country's first-ever South Sudan Premier League.

The league features local clubs from across the country, with matches hosted in the capital, Juba.

However, despite the excitement surrounding the league, the SSFA’s support has been limited to accommodation, leaving clubs to bear the brunt of other operational costs.

The lack of comprehensive support from the SSFA has raised concerns among club managers, who are calling for more assistance to ensure the sustainability and success of the league.

Santos Mawut shared his insights on the difficulties his club faces, many of which are shared by other teams participating in the league.

“One of the biggest challenges the teams are facing is the playing boots,” Mawut told The Radio Community in an interview on Monday in Juba.

“You go to the market; you buy a playing boot for $50. You also need a jersey for the team. You also need to take care of their food and medications.”

The daily routines of players also reflect the tough conditions. The manager also asserted that his players often walk long distances to get to training.

“My own players, they walk from where they are accommodated from Buluk playground for training. Then they walk back to Thonypiny where they are being accommodated,” he said.

Despite these challenges, Mawut remains optimistic about the power of football to unite the people of South Sudan.

“There is nothing that unites people like football. Sport has brought us together,” he acknowledged.

The manager further urged those with the ability to help to support clubs with the necessary sporting materials.