SSFA launches under-20 and under-17 championship in Juba

Author: Michael Daniel | Published: December 9, 2024

Wiyual Lampouch, Chairperson of the Organizing Committee - Courtesy of SSFA

The South Sudan Football Association (SSFA) has officially kicked off the much-anticipated Under-20 and Under-17 Championship in Juba, with a commitment to fostering youth talent and promoting gender inclusivity in sports.

The competitions, set to run from December 2024 to May 2025, with 24 teams—12 in each category—set to battle it out in 136 matches across both age groups.

In a statement to Eye Radio, Mr. Wiyual Lampouch, Chairperson of the Organizing Committee, highlighted the significance of the tournament.

“Today, we launched the Under-20 and Under-17 Championship for both boys and girls in Juba, which will run from December 2024 to the end of May 2025. This is an exciting development for the future of football in South Sudan,” Lampouch said.

The matches will take place during the school term in the mornings, while during holidays, games will be scheduled for weekends.

The Under-20 matches will be held at Juba National Stadium in both morning and afternoon sessions.

Meanwhile, the Under-17 games will be played on residential fields near schools and community playgrounds, ensuring greater accessibility for young players.

“We have 24 teams, with 12 teams in each category. The Under-20 and Under-17 competitions will see 136 matches played. Our goal is not only to develop football skills but to ensure these competitions help young people grow and showcase their talents,” Lampouch added.

To ensure transparency and fairness, all players have undergone thorough age verification, and their details have been registered on the CAF website and integrated into the FIFA system.

This allows for future professional opportunities, including potential transfers to international teams.

The first match of the competition, held on Monday, saw Young Dream Academy secure an exciting 6-3 victory over Superheroes in the U-20 league.

The next match, featuring Future Stars Football Academy against Al Amal Football Academy, will kick off at 3:00 PM in the boys’ U-20 category.

For the girls, the Under-17 tournament will begin on Tuesday, December 10, with New Star facing Malut Star at 8:00 AM at Juba National Stadium. Later in the day, at 3:00 PM, Gudele Central will compete against Everset in the U-20 girls’ category.

The SSFA’s initiative reflects a growing commitment to nurturing young talent, not only in football but also in encouraging greater gender inclusivity in South Sudanese sports.

“This championship is a step toward the future of South Sudanese football. It’s about allowing these young athletes to develop and showcase their abilities, whether for local clubs or international careers,” Lampouch concluded.

As the competition progresses, there is hope that it will pave the way for a new generation of South Sudanese football stars, while further promoting the importance of sports for both boys and girls across the country.

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