South Sudan Blind Football Federation seeks support for Egypt tournament

2026-03-23 - 14:54

The Chairperson of the South Sudan Blind Football Federation, Charles Pasquale, is requesting support from well-wishers to prepare for the African Cup tournament in Egypt this September. The Federation recorded a victory during the Para-Olympics in Uganda last year, where the team defeated Uganda to secure a medal for South Sudan. Pasquale stated that the upcoming competition in Egypt serves as a qualifying event for the 2028 Olympics in the United States. Challenges in Preparation Pasquale identified player support and training space as the primary obstacles facing the team. The Federation currently lacks a dedicated pitch and relies on renting private grounds in Juba. “We have to beg for training spaces; we are renting the playground in Juba,” Pasquale said. “The only one accessible to us is the one for Dr. Biar, but it is a business place and we hire it sometimes.” The Federation seeks funding to place players in a training camp for two to three weeks to undergo preparation for the September journey. Changing Perceptions The Federation aims to use football to demonstrate the capabilities of the visually impaired community. Pasquale noted that the team’s success has helped regain public confidence in national football following previous losses by other national selections. “People look at us as useless, but when we get this opportunity, I want to tell people that yes, we can,” Pasquale stated. “Our disability cannot hinder us from making a contribution to the nation or lifting up our flag.” History of the Federation Blind football began in South Sudan on April 12, 2020, following an initiative by the Light for the World organization. While originally intended for students at Rajaf School for the Blind, the program shifted to adults aged 18 and above due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program started with two individuals training under a tree with head coach Simon Madol. The Ministry of Youth officially registered the South Sudan Blind Football Federation in October 2023. The organization has since expanded to include tournaments in schools with inclusive education systems in Juba. Contact Information The Federation is located in Nyakuron, opposite Trojan Petrol Station. For more information, the public can contact: 0982 28 60 30 and 0922 28 60 30