The South Sudan Blind Football Federation has issued an urgent call for financial and material support from the government, private investors, and well-wishers as the national team prepares for the upcoming African Cup tournament in Egypt this September.
The “Bright Stars” of blind football have been making remarkable history, most notably securing a gold medal at last year’s Para-Olympics in Uganda after defeating the host nation. This victory not only brought pride to the country but also demonstrated the immense potential of people with disabilities in South Sudan to the world.
According to the Federation’s Chairperson, Charles Pasquale, the upcoming competition in Egypt is critical for the team, as it serves as a qualifying event for the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, USA.
Pasquale emphasized that disability does not hinder them from contributing to the nation or raising the national flag high. He noted that while people often perceive them as incapable, such opportunities allow them to prove to the world that they are indeed capable of greatness.
Despite their international success, the team’s daily preparations are fraught with challenges. Pasquale identified two primary obstacles: player welfare and the lack of a dedicated training pitch. Currently, the Federation does not own a suitable training facility for the visually impaired, forcing them to rent private grounds in Juba.
This has placed a significant financial burden on the organization as they strive to meet international standards.
“We have been forced to beg for training spaces,” Pasquale explained. “The only accessible field is a private commercial venue, which we must rent to use.
We are seeking funding to place our players in a formal training camp for two to three weeks so they can focus entirely on the upcoming journey to Egypt.”
The growth of blind football in South Sudan is described as nothing short of a miracle. The sport began on April 12, 2020, through an initiative by the organization “Light for the World.”
Reports indicate that in the early days, the program started with just two individuals training under a tree under the leadership of head coach Simon Madol. From those humble and difficult beginnings, the sport survived the COVID-19 pandemic and evolved into an officially registered national federation by October 2023.
