President Salva Kiir has praised South Sudan’s national basketball teams for their strong performances in international competitions, saying their achievements have made the country proud.
Kiir made the remarks on Monday after meeting with South
Sudan Basketball Federation (SSBF) President Luol Deng Ajou at the State House
in Juba.
During the meeting, President Kiir expressed his
government's continued support for the growth of basketball in the country.
He also commended the federation for developing young
players and promoting South Sudan on the global stage.
Luol Deng updated the President on the progress of both the
men's and women's national teams.
He said the women's team is preparing to travel to Mexico
for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament, where eight countries will compete for a
place at the Olympic Games.
“The women's team has been preparing well and is ready to
represent South Sudan with determination and pride,” Deng expressed.
He also said the men's team is performing well in the FIBA
World Cup qualifiers, with four wins and two losses, placing them second in
their group.
The team will play six more qualification matches, with
three scheduled for August and three in February.
During the meeting, Deng also presented President Kiir with
the bronze medal won by South Sudan's Under-18 boys' team at the FIBA Zone 5
Championship in Egypt.
The medal marked the first international achievement for the
country's newly formed Under-18 national team.
“The President is very proud whenever he receives good news
about our teams winning and raising the South Sudan flag on the international
stage,” he stated.
“Our basketball teams have elevated the country's profile globally and have given people around the world a reason to speak positively about South Sudan.”
South Sudan has become one of Africa's fastest-growing basketball nations, with its national teams earning international recognition and inspiring young athletes across the country.