History
The story of football in South Sudan, from independence to today.
From Juba to the world
From the day of independence to historic nights on the African stage, the story of South Sudanese football is written at every step.
Milestones
Federation founded
The SSFF is established on 8 April 2011 — Independence Day — taking governance of the game from the Sudan Football Association.
CECAFA, CAF & FIFA
The Federation joins CECAFA, CAF and FIFA, placing South Sudan on the world football map.
First international match
The Bright Stars play their first official match, drawing 2–2 with Uganda in Juba.
CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup
The senior men side makes its debut in the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup.
A national league
The South Sudan Premier League is organised on a national scale for the first time.
Road to the World Cup
The Bright Stars enter FIFA World Cup qualifying for the first time.
CHAN finals
The Bright Stars qualify for the CHAN finals for the first time in their history.
History in qualifying
A draw with Sudan in November 2023 secures the team first-ever point in FIFA World Cup qualifying.
AFCON debut
Historic first-ever qualification and a debut at AFCON Morocco 2025 — a moment for the whole nation.
Women football soars
The twelve-club Women Premier League is launched, CAF coaching licences (C, B and D) expand, and El Merriekh SC Bentiu are crowned champions.