CAF President Ahmad Ahmad assures South Sudan of more support

The President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Ahmad Ahmad has assured South Sudan of continued assistance. While meeting South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir during at the State House on Thursday, Ahmad said they will not only support South Sudan in football, but also education.

“We have been supporting South Sudan, but since we have come on the ground today we know where we need to add assistance together with FIFA,” said Ahmad who was accompanied by FIFA Secretary general and FIFA Special Delegate for Africa, Fatma Samoura.

CAF Executive members Hani Abou Rida (Egypt) and Suleiman Waberi (also President Djibouti Football Federation) were also part of the delegation that arrived in Juba on a chartered flight.

“We are happy to be in South Sudan to see the football developments taking place and where we together with FIFA can help. We also want you to know that we are not only with you in football but also in other things like education,” said CAF President Ahmad.

Samoura thanked the government of South Sudan Football Association and the government for the work they are doing towards football development. “In future FIFA and CAF will discuss a road map on how to help South Sudan further,” added Samoura.

The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Dr Nadia Arop Dudi said since football brings about peace and unity more support should be given to South Sudan by CAF and FIFA.

Francis Amin Michael, the South Sudan Football Association (SSFA) President thanked Ahmad and Samoura together with the delegation for coming to see developments and gaps in South Sudan.

Besides meeting President Salva Kiir, the delegation also toured the Juba National Stadium that is under renovation under the FIFA Forward Programme and the South Sudan Football Association (SSFA) headquarters.