SSFF President unveils landmark vision for National Technical Center

2026-02-17 - 08:00

JUBA, South Sudan (Eye Radio) – The South Sudan Football Federation (SSFF) is set to break ground on a state-of-the-art National Team Technical Center, made possible through a significant investment from the FIFA Forward 3.0 fund. Speaking to Eye Radio on Sunday, February 15, SSFF President Francis Amin Michael stated that this flagship facility—featuring 13 rooms, a high-performance gym, a playground, and dedicated dining and kitchen areas—stands as the cornerstone of a broader strategy to revolutionize player and coaching development across the nation. South Sudan is steadily building its football infrastructure, developing youth talent, and nurturing local expertise, signaling a determined path toward international recognition and regional competitiveness. SSFF President noted that the federation has made remarkable strides in recent years, evolving from localized grassroots initiatives to an expansive, nationwide reach. “We were able to establish many things within the federation. We started with the grassroots inside the towns and have now expanded outward. It involves the board, the vision, and the collective will,” Amin said. Under Amin’s leadership, football has expanded across all levels, with participatory governance ensured through consistent elections in 2017, 2020, and 2023. Women’s football has also become a primary pillar of the federation’s strategic plan. “We have successfully established programs for both young girls and senior players,” Amin added. “We created a specific strategic plan for women’s football and have worked hard to elevate the national team.” The professionalization of the “Bright Stars” (the national team) has been significantly bolstered by corporate support. Amin credited Tristar Group and its Country Manager, Ravneesh Aujla, for sponsorship that enabled the hiring of elite international coaching talent. “Thanks to Ravneesh’s support and sponsorship, we were able to hire a foreign coach with international experience to establish a strong national team. Today, our players are respected, paid appropriately, and our infrastructure is improving,” Amin said. The federation has also forged strategic partnerships with the Qatar and Senegal Football Federations to enhance coaching, refereeing, and technical standards. A key component of the federation’s vision is a four-year plan to cultivate local talent and reduce reliance on foreign expertise. Amin noted that by investing in officials now, South Sudan will be better positioned to compete in major tournaments like the World Cup. Infrastructure remains the top priority to improve performance and attract fans. Planned upgrades include floodlights, artificial turf, and strategic venue placement to create a professional environment. “If the environment is good—if the physical conditions, the health, and the league standards are high—the players can perform at their best,” Amin emphasized. Looking ahead, South Sudan has set its sights on the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), hosted by neighboring Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Amin concluded with a call for national unity to support this ambitious goal: “To reach that level, we need contributions from partners, the government, and sports lovers. Competition is key, and we need to be there with our team. We must work together to be part of the African Cup of Nations.” With sustained investment and community backing, South Sudanese football is on a resolute path to raising the nation’s profile on the world stage.