South Sudan men’s basketball team landed at Juba International Airport on Tuesday, after a glorious World Cup qualification campaign in Egypt.
The plane carrying the Bright Stars first flew to the Sudanese capital Khartoum, before departing to Juba in the morning.
Thousands of basketball fans were the airport to cheer the team, which has made history, becoming the first team in Africa to qualify for world cup at first attempt.
They have beaten all Group F opponents; DR Congo, Senegal, and Egypt.
Speaking at a press conference upon arrival, the team captain Kuany Kuany thanked all the people who turn-up to welcome the team.
“It’s an honor and pleasure to be here, some of team-mate are not here, and I really wish the rest of the team could be here to see how amazing this welcome, and the love and support we receive every time we came to South Sudan so,” he said.
The team was also received by sports officials, government officials, and all sectors of civil society to receive the champions.
Captain Kuany Kuany attributed the team’s success to the support of fans.
He also said they will continue to rewrite South Sudan’s story through basketball.
“This is the reason why we play so hard and go out there and represent South Sudan in the right way.”
“South Sudan is now known across the world, basketball little is a unifying tool brought everybody together.”
“Every time, I see videos everybody is celebrating South Sudan around the world and it has been great so far is been amazing seeing the whole country coming together setting the foundation for the next generation and it something dear to our hearts building up our nation.”