South Sudan Basketball fans at the Kigali Arena. | Photo: South Sudan Basketball

Basketball fans and players in Juba have hailed a “moment of pride” for South Sudan and urged countrymen to unite as the Bright Stars make a historic debut in the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

South Sudan will hope to gain a momentous start by beating Puerto Rico, one of the strongest basketball teams in the world.

Standing at number 19 in the FIBA ranking, Puerto Rico last debuted in a World Cup in 1957 and played 12 World Championships so far, although they have never won a medal.

The Orange Monsters have now been tipped as the favorites to win the opening game against South Sudan, but it is a ‘never say never’ for the Bright Stars who are 62nd in FIBA ranking.

Reinforced with basketball stars from overseas, the Bright Stars will probably capitalize on their underdog situation for the better.

South Sudan will also face China on August 28, and Serbia on August 30 in the preliminary rounds of the tournament in the Philippines.

In Juba, thousands of South Sudanese who are unable to travel to Manila will watch the game live on a big television screen at Nimra Talata Basketball Playground.

Cobra Basketball Player Matthew Mayom says he believes the national team will make the country proud in the tournament.

“I feel crazy about it because I believe my country will do the best. There are a lot of factors that show we shall earn the victory,” he told Eye Radio.

“We have professional coaches and professional leaders who are leading the team. We also have professional players. We have the height, the strength, everything to play. I believe we have the mental game and physical game.”

For Wol Konag, a basketball fan, it is a moment of pride for South Sudan, a country that is making history just a decade from independence.

“I feel so good, I feel proud for my country because this is the first time that it happens that our country is witnessing this historic event,” he said.

Konag said he looks forward to winning the World Cup in what he believes would be a turning point in his war-torn country.

“I look forward to my country winning the World Cup. I also look forward for all South Sudanese to use this historic event as a tool to unite the country because we have been divided by political war and unnecessary tribalism,” he said.

“But we now have players who are uniting the country through sports like basketball. So, I am really proud of my country and players and I’m looking forward to this event uniting my country.”

Another Cobra player, Malual Bol, says watching South Sudan participate in a World Cup is a great feeling for the whole country.

“For the first time in history, South Sudan, a young nation is one of the participants in the World Cup tournament in Manila Philippines.”

“South Sudan has been doing well since Afro-Basketball, They have done well and throughout the qualifying tournaments, they have done well, and now they are playing as a team, stronger and united.”

Mr. Bol, however, does not place a huge burden of expectations on the national team, but he hopes Round 16 would be a great achievement.

“I think they will make it to the round of 16. They have played friendlies recently and I think they a good. We have some challenges, but they have played great games so far.”

“We as fans have to support them whether they win or lose we have to support them.”

The opening matches kicked off on Friday with Lithuania, Germany, the Dominican Republic, and Canada all registering victories.

While The Philippines, Egypt, Angola, Japan, and France registered a losing start to the competition.

“I am very proud of the achievements of the Bright Stars to make it to the World Cup for the first and shining for the first time in the Africa championship and raising our flag higher,” said Banen Ayuel, a basketball fan in Juba.

“They made us very proud. I believe the match with Puerto Rico is going to be a tough one, but I am optimistic that they are going to win. So, I urge all South Sudanese to rally behind our national basketball team to be successful again in the World Cup.”