Gen. Kuol Manyang Juuk, one of the Deputy Chairpersons of SPLM and Senior Presidential Advisor - Credit: Office of the President - August 31, 2022

President Salva Kiir has pledged to build an enclosed basketball arena in Juba as a gift for the Bright Stars, according to Senior Presidential Adviser, Kuol Manyang.

General Kuol Manyang disclosed the pledge during an event organized to welcome the South Sudan Basketball National player at Nimera Talaata basketball court yesterday.

The basketball Bright Stars arrived in Juba on Tuesday, September 5, after successful participation in the 2023 FIBA World Cup in Manila Philippines.

Bright Stars was ranked 17 in the World Cup as they secured the seat for the 2024 Paris Olympic games as the best African team in the World Cup.

South Sudan has no other standard basketball arena apart from the current Nimira Talata Basketball playground.

Speaking to thousands of fans on Tuesday, September 5, General Kuol says the indoor basketball arena to be built in Juba is a gift from the President for the basketball heroes.

In his personal suggestion, he also urged the state governments to build sports fields within the residential areas.

“Our President says he will build a big basketball playground called indoor basketball Arana here in Juba. It will not be open like this is indoors, is a gift to you our heroes,” said Kuol.

“The President is going to provide a basketball Arena here in Juba, and I’m urging also our states must also develop sports fields even within the residential area.”