The International Handball Federation (IHF) awarded D licences to at least 35 South Sudanese women, clearing them to coach and referee handball games.
The match trainees underwent one week of handball coaching and refereeing lessons in Juba.
Those honoured were mostly former South Sudan handball players and some who are still active in the sport.
The plan aims to promote women’s participation in handball sports.
Dr Nahla Boudhina, a facilitator for the International Handball Federation (IHF), described the move as the first step towards realising the country’s aim of creating competitive handball sports.
She said the graduates would inspire fellow women who have great talents in handball so that they take up and continue practising handball in the country.
According to the IHF facilitator, South Sudanese women are capable of attaining greater achievements in the sport, and they could do better in such opportunities are found.
She congratulated the participants who received the D coaching and refereeing licences and encouraged them to take their work seriously to be active in their profession.
“What you have today is a huge accomplishment for both you and the country. It is not easy for someone to be granted a D license. Some individuals pray for it at all hours of the day and night, but the odds are not in their favour.”
“As a result, I want you to see it as something that can propel you forward. This licence D may make it easier for you to obtain the other license “Dr Boudhina said.
Meanwhile, Rose Damana Gabriel, one of the trainees who serves as the chairwoman of South Sudan Handball (SSH), thanked the organisers, particularly the International Handball Federation, for including South Sudan among the program’s payees.
She added that the program was created specifically for former South Sudanese handball players to enable them to train the youngsters in schools.
“Of course, I am excited, and from here, I am calling on my fellow colleagues to make sure that we all do our lot to take our country’s handball to the next level,” she added.
She believes South Sudan would one day become one of the world’s best and most productive countries if handball sport is taken seriously.