President Kiir encourages basketball players outside country to join national team

President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Saturday invited South Sudanese basketball players in other international leagues to join the national team and make the country proud.

He was speaking during meeting with some members of the victorious national basketball team which recently qualified for the upcoming international basketball World Cup slated to begin in August in Philipines, Japan and Indonesia.

Kiir praised the patriotic decision made by the team to represent South Sudan regardless of forgoing luxuries in Western countries.

He promised to stand and support the team in the FIBA World Cup campaign.

Senior Presidential Advisor, Gen. Kuol Mayang Juuk also congratulated the Bright stars team for qualifying for FIBA World Cup as well as making it as the top African team.

Gen. Kuol added that sports brings people together and can be the best way of bringing peace back to the country.

National Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Albino Bol Dhieu urged government to mobilize South Sudanese players in other international leagues to join the team, adding that camping will start in July before finally going to Japan in August.

President of South Sudan Basketball Federation, Luol Deng said the journey for qualification started three years ago in Kenya and now South Sudan qualified for FIBA World Cup.

He finally thanked the President for the trust and support bestowed upon the team.