FIBA World Cup to showcase in Juba, South Sudan

The South Sudan Basketball Federation is calling on fans to turn up and witness the FIBA World Cup Trophy tour on Tuesday in Juba, South Sudan.

The FIBA World Cup will visit South Sudan as part of a tour of the country teams that have qualified to participate in the Basketball World Cup to be held from August 25 to September 10, 2023, in Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

“The FIBA World Cup trophy is coming to Juba on the 29^th and 30^th. It will be here for public viewing at ‘Nimara Talata basketball stadium on the 30^th,” said Eva Lopa, SSBF communications officer.

South Sudan is in Group B alongside Serbia, China, and Puerto Rico which will play in the Philippines.

The country ranks number one in Africa after beating Senegal, Tunisia, Egypt, and others during the FIBA World Cup qualifiers.

“It is a historic moment for the nation, the first time the cup is coming to East Africa and we are the first East African country to qualify, Lopa said.

“It’s a symbol of hope that can be showcased to the people. So the  youth, the sports community, and South Sudan in general can come and take pictures with the trophy and ask questions during the entire day from 12 pm to 6 pm,” she added.

For his part, Dr. Arou Ramadan who is SSBF’s Deputy Secretary General says the trophy tour is a culture to bring the golden prize to qualified in the world competition.

“As a culture, all the countries that have qualified for the world cup get chance before the actual tournament to have the trophy with them for a number of days depending on FIBA’s schedule.

Other countries that qualified have already witnessed the ceremonial tour.