Portuguese soccer star Luis Figo lands in Juba
The Portuguese sporting icon Luis Figo landed in Juba on Monday, March 4, cheered on by the South Sudan Ministry of Sports, South Sudan Football Association, South Sudan football clubs, kid’s football clubs and groups of traditional dancers.
I am happy to be in South Sudan,” the Portuguese footballer and former Real Madrid star told the press. I am coming to develop football in South Sudan through the establishment of a football Academy.”
I am coming to develop football in South Sudan through the establishment of a football Academy.”
Star Petroleum, a European privately owned firm with operations in Africa, signed Figo to launch a football academy. It will be the first project of its kind in South Sudan.
The South Sudanese Director General of Sports Edward Sttimo said Figo’s visit and the new football school will lure young sports people from across the country.
Chabur Alei, who chairs South Sudan’s Football Association, urged others investors to encourage sports in the nation.
The Chairman of the Star Petroleum Company F. Zandi described the step as the most significant event in the new nation’s sports calendar.
Star Petroleum wants to present a role model for young South Sudanese players.”
Once we have harnessed young football talents through South Sudan Football Academy, we can provide them with the opportunity to train in giant Spanish clubs like Real Madrid or Barcelona,” Zandi said, adding that Star Petroleum Company would provide scholarships for players or coaches to be trained in Madrid.
The initiative is aimed at promoting football among the youth of South Sudan, by signing up with an icon of the game like Luis Figo, Star Petroleum wants to present a role model for young South Sudanese players,” he said.
Star Petroleum has operates in South Sudan since 2006.
