Lion Hunters coach Rina Thomas. (Photo: Courtesy).

The Head Coach of Lion Hunters FC (Yei) Rina Thomas made history on Thursday as the first female manager of a professional football club as her men defeated Young Stars FC (Torit) 2-0 in the South Sudan Premier League.

Rina’s Lion Hunters secured a commanding 2-0 victory against Young Stars FC in the first round of the 2024-25 season at Juba National Stadium, starting strong with Moses Solomon scoring in the 11th minute.

Just three minutes later, Uwaya Uyoo doubled the lead, securing the team’s revenge after their 4-0 loss to Young Stars in the South Sudan Men’s National League earlier this year.

Speaking after the match, Ms. Thomas said she was thrilled for the win and for being the first female coach in the league.

Ms. Thomas said her accomplishment proves that what men can do, women can also achieve and encouraged her fans to continue supporting the team through the tournament.

“I just want to extend my happiness of today because as the first female coach, participating in the Premier League, I was so happy because what men can do, we can also train and do,” she said.

“I was so much happy for the win, as we continue to do for the rest of the game. Yeah, last time they won against us, that’s why we came with full force and revenge against them.”

At least 14 football clubs are competing in the league scheduled to run until May 31, 2025.

Lion Hunters are now tied to 3 points and two goals with Malakia and Kator, as Jamus lead the table with three points and 4 goals after thrashing Bentiu City SC 5-1.

Meanwhile, the Organizing Committee of the South Sudan Premier League announced the postponement of the match between Holy Family Rumbek and Olympic Renk, originally scheduled for today.

In a statement, Mr. Wiyual Lam, head of the organizing committee, confirmed that Olympic FC Renk requested the postponement due to unforeseen circumstances. The committee accepted the request and will reschedule the match.

Koryom FC Bor will play Salaam FC Aweil at Juba National Studium on 28th December.

The first round will conclude with the match between Al Hilal Wau and Nile City Yambio on December 29, while the committee will set a date for the replay of the match.