National Minister of Youth and Sports Announces Finalization of Juba National Stadium Renovation to Host South Sudan’s Home Games

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Joseph Geng Akech, announced the imminent completion of the renovation of Juba National Stadium in preparation to host upcoming home games for South Sudan. The announcement was made during an inspection of the ongoing renovation works at the stadium, with Dr. Joseph Geng Akech accompanied by Hon. Bangasi Joseph Bakosoro, Minister of Presidential Affairs, and Hon. Simon Mijok Mijak, Minister of Roads and Bridges.

Speaking to the media after the inspection, Dr. Joseph Geng expressed his gratitude to FIFA and its implementing partner (SSFA) for funding the renovation of Juba National Stadium. He highlighted that the close collaboration between the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, and the Ministry of Roads and Bridges was in response to President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s directives to ensure the completion of the facility.

Dr. Joseph Geng emphasized that additional work was necessary to finalize the renovation, particularly the installation of roads around the stadium and lights. He pledged the government’s support through his ministry to address these remaining tasks to enable South Sudan to play its FIFA World Cup Qualifiers home game against Sudan in June on home ground.

President of the South Sudan Football Association, Mr. Augustino Madout, welcomed the government delegation’s visit as a significant development for the sports sector. He pointed out that the stadium currently lacks crucial infrastructure such as surrounding roads and lighting, essential for meeting FIFA standards for hosting international games. Mr. Augustino Madout expressed optimism that with the government’s commitment to completing the remaining work, South Sudan would soon be able to host important matches, including the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Sudan.

The final inspection by government officials signifies a crucial step towards enhancing sporting infrastructure in South Sudan and creating opportunities for the country to showcase its talent on the international stage.