Contenders for the South Sudan Football Association (SSFA) staged a fierce campaign with billboards and banners decorating the streets of Juba as they seized the airwaves to communicate their manifestos in the final stretch of the race.
What had begun as a race of 14 contenders narrowed down to six and then 4; with the last men standing being Lual Maluk Lual, Peter Achuil Adding, Augustino Maduot Parek, and outgoing Francis Amin Michael.
On the D-day, July 23, former Director of Passports, Nationality and Immigration Gen. Agustino Maduot Parek pulled a surprising commanding victory with 20 votes out of a possible 30. Apart from Parek winning the presidency, Charles Udwar Ukech won the vice presidency with a fairly impressive margin of 21 votes out of a possible 37.
The electoral committee closed the exercise which had run smoothly. Khalas! Two things were certain after the completion of the vote. Francis Amin— who had been at the helm of the country’s sports body for four years—was facing an inevitable exit door after failing to retain his seat.
Another reality was that the former immigration boss had taken over the mantle of leadership to steer the country’s sports to another level.
‘Desperate for results’
It is also prudent to factor in the reality that elections have now been buried in the books of history. It is now time for Gen. Parek to put into action the manifestos that propelled him to victory.
It is undeniable that under the leadership of Mr Amin, the country’s football has had both challenges and triumphant results.
For instance, Mr Amin can be massively credited for setting the Women football league which had eight teams for the maiden trophy. Yei Joint Stars won the maiden trophy and was poised to compete in the Total Energies CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA Qualifiers. Sadly, the tournament was postponed hence denying the country the chance to witness the capability of the domestic champions.
On the other hand, the country’s football has suffered massive performance-related blips. These are have arisen from the regional tournaments and have come from the backdrop of resilience and desire to put the country on the map.
Currently, young men are engaged in the U23 CECAFA Challenge Cup 2021 in Kenya. The old story is still replaying. In the opening fixture against Kenya, South Sudan lost 2-0. But even in the face of unimpressive results, the SSFA gave a reassuring verdict on its Twitter page, stating: ‘‘our boys didn’t make it today against Kenya; however they still have a chance against Djibouti to prove themselves. The game ended 2-0 in favour of Kenya.’’
The tone of the message was encouraging and sportsman-like. The Bright Stars suffered a setback in their trip to Doha, Qatar, after players were alleged to have tested positive for the coronavirus. That they failed to participate in this tournament was in itself a saddening and jaw-dropping eventuality. But their engagements before that pointed towards the urgent necessity to turn things around for better results.
Why? Bright Stars registered below-average performances in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2021 Qualifiers. In two fixtures against Uganda, the national team had a slim defeat by just a solitary goal. The other losses were 1-0 against Kenya in a friendly and 2-1 loss against Wazito FC- a Kenyan Premier League side.
A couple of positive performances came against Cameroon though in a barren draw for each fixture.
Time to fix
It is no secret that the country’s teams have posted meagre results in the field. But one thing that equally stands out is that there is the desire to step for the country. Boys and girls have devoted their time and are passionately doing their best to represent South Sudan.
It only means that Mr Parek must step up and ensure that the footballing gap that exists between South Sudan and other countries in the continent can be breached.
Bridging this gap will necessitate the investment in training facilities, academies, the right coaching personnel and clear-cut goals to get the country to the top.
The patriotic feeling should be reinforced with a reward of good results and off the pitch. Sports unite people and it is what South Sudan needs.