South Sudan National Basketball Team on Saturday inked a two-year shirt sponsorship deal with Peak Sports, a Chinese manufacturing company of sportswear and footwear.

The deal was signed one week before Bright Stars start their historic FIBA World Cup campaign with a match against Puerto Rico in Manila, The Philippines.

Federation president, Luol Deng and Peak Sports Chief Executive Officer Jim Xu signed the lucrative sponsorship deal at Jingjiang City of Quanzhou, where the Stars are currently set to play two international friendlies before the world cup.

The deal was also witnessed by other sports officials and diplomats from China and South Sudan Embassy in Beijing.

“Present at the signing ceremony were Counselor Mr. Jimmy Gama Hassan and Second Secretary Mr. Mariano R. Nuer representing the Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan, the Chairman of Peak Sports Mr. Jingnan Xu, players of the National team, members of the delegation and local media houses,” reads a statement from the South Sudan Embassy in Beijing.

Meanwhile, South Sudan will clash with Iran on Sunday, August 20, 2023, one of their last international friendlies. The game will take place at 2:30 PM Central Africa Time (8:30 PM Beijing Time).

Iran have lost all their last five games against Georgia, Jordan, Montenegro, and The Philippines twice. South Sudan lost two of their last friendlies against Brazil and Australia but won against Venezuela.

The South Sudan team arrived in the southern Chinese city of Quanzhou on Friday, August 18, 2023, received by the embassy and diplomatic officials.

They will play Jordan on Tuesday, August 22, 2023.