The President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) said South Sudan has the potential to represent the continent in the World Cup if real investments are made in the football sector.
Dr. Patrice Motsepe is in the country to assess the conditions for sports development. He is expected to meet with President Salva Kiir and other senior government and sports officials.
“One of my very important messages is to thank the government of South Sudan for the support they have been giving to football and ask them to give more,” he told the press at Juba International Airport on Thursday.
Dr. Motsepe said South Sudan has great potentials in the sports. He believes with support, South Sudan can become a dominant player in the world of sports.
“The focus is on football development and to make sure that this great country that has got so much talent {with} some of the best football players in Africa. We want South Sudan not just to do well in Africa, but we believe South Sudan can in future be one of those African countries that goes to represent us in the world cup,” he stated.
Since the establishment of the Confederation of African Football in 1957, this is the first time a CAF President is visiting South Sudan. Dr. Motsepe said his visit will underscore the importance of investing in sports, especially football.
“We see football as a very important instrument to bring Africans together to trade together, build economic and political ties because the success of South Sudan is the success of the whole of Africa. We also want to teach our young people through football to embrace the concept of African unity, walking together and growing together in football,” he said.
For his part, the President of the South Sudan Football Association Augustino Maduot said: “We are the youngest association in the continent and…it is a great honor [for you] to come and stand and see what we are doing here and how we can promote football for the wellbeing, unity, and peace of Africa.”
Dr. Motsepe will tour the Juba stadium that is currently under construction.
