Government, SSBF Pledge to Nurture NextGen of Hoopers

South Sudan's basketball dream gains fresh momentum after the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the South Sudan Basketball Federation pledged to work hand in hand to develop the next generation of hoopers.

The pledge came during a meeting on Thursday between the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mary Nawai Martin, and SSBF President Luol Deng, who both underlined their shared commitment towards growing grassroots basketball programs and supporting emerging talent.

Minister Mary hailed the national team's stellar performance at the AfroBasket tournament in Angola, saying their success continues to inspire young players across the country.

"Our players have made South Sudan proud through their dedication and achievements. As a government, we're committed to ensuring that talent is nurtured and promoted across all States and Administrative Areas," she said.

She emphasized that investments in sports infrastructure, youth training programs, and systematic talent scouting are crucial to sustaining the momentum created by the Bright Stars' continental breakthrough.

SSBF President Luol Deng welcomed the government's renewed commitment, stressing that partnership is the key to unlocking basketball's potential in the country. "We are grateful for the Minister's encouragement. The Federation will continue to work closely with the government to roll out programs that will identify, train, and mentor the next generation of basketball players across South Sudan," Deng said.

The discussions also highlighted broader priorities, including strengthening youth participation, building training facilities, and positioning South Sudan as a future basketball powerhouse on the African continent.

In recent years, South Sudan has earned global attention for its rapid rise in the sport, with several homegrown players showcasing their skills in international leagues.