Dr. Albino Bol Dhieu, Minister of Youth and Sports (left) and Augustino Madout Parek, SSFA president. | Photo: SSFA/Facebook.

The national Minister of Youth and Sports said President Salva Kiir has directed for the preparation of a budget for all sports categories, to be approved by the cabinet.

Dr. Albino Bol Dhieu made the remarks during a visit to the training camp for the U17 national football team as they prepare to participate in the upcoming African Cup of Nations in Algeria later this month.

“The President of the Republic, His Excellency, Salva Kiir Mayardit has asked for the budget of all sports categories to be presented at the Council of Ministers for approval,” Bol said.

According to an SSFA statement, the budget will be ready at the end of April, and all the financial constraints hindering sports activities shall soon be resolved.

The national football football governing body has often said lack of government support leaves the national teams struggling to represent the country in regional and continental tournaments.

Previously, SSFA also decried the burden of shouldering the booking the national teams flights.

Dr. Albino reportedly hailed the youngsters for qualifying for the continental championship and urged them to put more effort into the upcoming competition in Cameroon.

On his part, the President of the national football-governing body – Augustino Maduot called on the government and well-wishers to extend supporting hands to the national teams while representing the nation in international competitions.

The team is expected to leave the country on April 19th, 2023, and starts their group stage campaign against Cameroon on May 1, 2023, at Annaba Stadium.