By Emmanuel Patrick Laku | Sports Hunter South Sudan
South Sudan's minifootball journey has entered a historic chapter. Following the country's admission into the World Minifootball Federation (WMF) and confirmation of its maiden appearance at the 2027 African Minifootball Cup of Nations in Guinea, the South Sudan Minifootball Federation (SSMF) is now shifting its focus to building a competitive domestic league and assembling the nation's first-ever national team.
The tournament draw has handed South Sudan a daunting challenge, with the newcomers placed alongside continental heavyweights Mali, Chad and Côte d'Ivoire in Group D. While the task ahead is formidable, the Federation believes the opportunity marks the beginning of a long-term vision to establish South Sudan as a respected force in the rapidly growing sport.
In this exclusive interview with Sports Hunter South Sudan, SSMF President Victor Lawrence Lual speaks to Emmanuel Patrick Laku about the AFCON draw, preparations for the national team, plans for the inaugural South Sudan Minifootball League, the significance of WMF membership and his message to football fans across the country.
Sports Hunter South Sudan: South Sudan has been drawn alongside Mali, Chad and Côte d'Ivoire at the African Minifootball Cup of Nations. What was your first reaction to the draw?
Victor Lawrence Lual: It is certainly a very challenging group. We have been paired with experienced and highly competitive teams. Chad and Côte d'Ivoire have both featured at previous Mini Football World Cups, while Mali also possesses a rich football tradition and quality players.
For South Sudan, this will be our first appearance at the African Minifootball Cup of Nations. We have great respect for all our opponents, but we also see this as a historic opportunity to learn, gain valuable international experience and showcase the potential of South Sudan on the continental stage.
Every journey begins with a first step. We are proud to take that step and we will prepare thoroughly, compete with determination and represent our country with pride.
Sports Hunter South Sudan: How confident are you that South Sudan can compete against such experienced opponents?
Victor Lawrence Lual: It is still too early to evaluate our chances because we have not yet selected the national team. Our immediate focus is identifying the best players to represent South Sudan.
With proper preparation, discipline and commitment, I believe we can build a competitive team capable of challenging our opponents and making our country proud.
Sports Hunter South Sudan: When will the national team selection process begin, and what criteria will guide player selection?
Victor Lawrence Lual: We plan to launch the South Sudan Minifootball League during the first week of September. Once the league begins, we will start identifying players for the national team.
Selection will be based on performance, technical quality, fitness, discipline, consistency and commitment throughout the competition.
Sports Hunter South Sudan: How is the registration process for clubs progressing ahead of the inaugural league?
Victor Lawrence Lual: We are currently receiving registration forms from interested clubs. The Federation officially completed its legal registration with the Ministry on June 1 and has also finalised all admission requirements with the relevant governing bodies.
Our current priority is to welcome clubs and prepare for a successful first season.
Sports Hunter South Sudan: How many clubs do you expect to participate in the inaugural season?
Victor Lawrence Lual: We expect between eight and twelve clubs to compete in the first edition of the South Sudan Minifootball League.
Sports Hunter South Sudan: What requirements must clubs meet before they can register?
Victor Lawrence Lual: Every club must be legally registered and have a recognised administrative structure in place. These standards are important because we want to build a professional and sustainable league from the beginning.
Sports Hunter South Sudan: What will the competition be called, and where will matches be played?
Victor Lawrence Lual: The competition will be known as the South Sudan Minifootball League. Matches will be played in Juba, where we are currently assessing several private minifootball facilities before selecting one or two official venues.
Sports Hunter South Sudan: You recently represented South Sudan at the World Minifootball Federation General Assembly. How significant was that experience?
Victor Lawrence Lual: It was a historic moment for our Federation and for South Sudan. The General Assembly provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships with the global minifootball family while reaffirming our commitment to developing the sport according to international standards.
It also demonstrated that South Sudan is ready to become an active member of the international minifootball community.
Sports Hunter South Sudan: What concrete benefits does WMF membership bring to South Sudan?
Victor Lawrence Lual: Membership gives South Sudan international recognition and eligibility to compete in official WMF competitions. It also opens access to technical programmes for coaches, referees and administrators, while creating opportunities for player development through international exposure.
Beyond that, membership strengthens our ability to establish partnerships, attract investment and accelerate the growth of minifootball throughout South Sudan.
Sports Hunter South Sudan: Following the General Assembly, what are the Federation's immediate priorities?
Victor Lawrence Lual: Our focus now is implementation. We want to successfully launch the South Sudan Minifootball League, complete club registration, select the national team and strengthen the Federation's internal structures.
At the same time, we will continue working closely with the African Minifootball Confederation and the World Minifootball Federation to develop our coaches, referees and administrators as we prepare for our historic AFCON debut.
Sports Hunter South Sudan: Finally, what message would you like to send to South Sudanese football fans?
Victor Lawrence Lual: I would like to encourage every South Sudanese to support all initiatives that contribute to the development of football in our country.
The South Sudan Minifootball Federation was established to complement—not compete with—the outstanding work of the South Sudan Football Federation. The SSFF remains the recognised governing body for association football, while minifootball is a globally recognised discipline governed by the African Minifootball Confederation and the World Minifootball Federation.
Our objective is to create additional opportunities for players, coaches, referees, administrators and young people who are passionate about football.
Together, we can expand opportunities for our youth, strengthen football development across the country and proudly raise the South Sudan flag on the continental and global stage.
As South Sudan prepares to write a new chapter in its sporting history, the establishment of the South Sudan Minifootball League and the country's maiden appearance at the African Minifootball Cup of Nations represent more than just new competitions—they signal the birth of another platform through which South Sudanese talent can flourish.
While the road ahead will not be easy, Victor Lawrence Lual remains convinced that strong structures, sound planning and national unity will provide the foundation for sustainable success. For a nation eager to expand its sporting footprint, the journey in minifootball has only just begun, and South Sudan now has another opportunity to make its mark on the African and global stage.
