By Charles Biddeng
JUBA, June 12. – The President of FIFA, Gianni Infantino and the South Sudan President, Salva Kiir Mayardit officially opened the renovated Juba National Stadium.
Infantino who was coming to South Sudan for the third time said he was happy with the strides made in Football development in the country.
“Today I’m a happy man. Today is a wonderful occasion. It is a milestone in the very young history of South Sudan, of the youngest country in the world,” said Infantino.
The stadium was renovated through the FIFA Forward Development Programme provided USD 5.1 million, while another a USD 1.8 million COVID-19 relief loan completed the necessary funding that facilitated the construction of four dressing rooms, team benches, a media tribune, VIP areas and other facilities, turning the stadium into a 7,500-capacity venue.
Salva Kiir Mayardit said it was a happy day that finally Football is being played at the Juba National Stadium. He together with Infantino cut the ribbon to officially open the Stadium infornt of over 5,000 people who came to witness the ceremony and also watch a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier between South Sudan and Sudan.
The South Sudan Football Association (SSFA) President, Augustino Maduot Parek was also full of praise for President Salva Kiir, the government of South Sudan and FIFA under the leadership of Infantino for all the support.
“On behalf of the South Sudan Football Association, and on behalf of all footballers and the whole country at the youth, we are so delighted that we have the President of FIFA to be with us, really to support us, to give us morale,” said President Parek during the inauguration ceremony. “He has been very supportive; he has initiated the FIFA Forward projects and definitely concentrated on making this Juba National Stadium finished and inaugurated. He has put energy into all the staff and all the FIFA departments were directed to [get] this finished. And I’m really very happy to receive you and welcome you to South Sudan, ” added Parek.
Several other dignitaries including the FIFA General Secretary Mattias Grafström, Davis Ndayisenga, the Head of the FIFA Development Office in Kigali, CECAFA President Wallace Karia and the FA President of Ethiopia Esayas Jira also attended the function.
Later during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier visiting Sudan defeated South Sudan’s Bright Star 3-0 to go top of Group B.
