Women’s Football… and the Syndrome of Failure

Free Kick

Arop Jongchol

For the first time, I had the opportunity to watch our national women’s football team play from the (general) stands inside Juba Stadium. Although this opportunity came a bit late, I consider it to have given me a (mental) picture that was previously missing regarding the composition, capabilities, and style of play of the team since its formation.

Looking at the participation of our women’s national team in regional and continental competitions—whether in qualifiers or CECAFA tournaments—we find that the team is inconsistent. It has suffered defeats against Tanzania, Ethiopia, Kenya, Egypt, Botswana, and Algeria, while managing to win against Seychelles, Zanzibar, and Sudan. All of this has occurred in the absence of regular women’s league competitions in the capital and the states, as well as a lack of adequate exposure through preparatory matches and training camps, whether short or long. Usually, only a very brief training camp is held before any match or competition.

There is a complete absence of state support, not just for women’s teams but also for various men’s national teams. The government, represented by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, has long abandoned responsibility for sports, leaving the task of managing and supporting sports activities in the country to the General Football Association, just as it does with other sports federations that struggle on their own.

The situation of women’s football in South Sudan is discouraging, continuing to suffer setbacks despite the significant support it receives from the General Football Association. What is even more surprising is that women’s football in South Sudan lacks any real fanbase, especially when the team plays at home in front of local spectators.

Despite their heavy 5-0 defeat yesterday against Algeria, we should not be too harsh on our players. We genuinely appreciate the great efforts they make to prove themselves, despite the limited talent of South Sudanese female footballers—an undeniable reality. However, it is time for the General Football Association to think more realistically and invest more money in properly preparing the team for upcoming competitions.

All clubs competing in the General Football Association and local federation tournaments must prioritize women’s football by forming women’s teams. This will help elevate the sport and provide the national teams with skilled players capable of competing at the regional and continental levels, keeping up with neighboring African countries in this important women’s sports sector.

Final Free Kick…

Attention must be given to the physical fitness (body structure) of our players so they can compete in individual duels. Yesterday, the difference between our girls and the Algerian women was striking.

Wayward Free Kick…

With the extreme heat these days, are there any health measures put in place by the Premier League organizing committee for the 1:00 PM matches (under the scorching sun)? Or is it just a case of (total negligence)?!