04 Sept 2023, Juba, SOUTH SUDAN – South Sudan has congratulated her basketball team after the Bright Stars qualified to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics in the team’s debut at the FIBA World Cup games in the Philippines.
“Your participation in this completion is a significant achievement for our country and its people,” President Kiir said in a statement.
The Bright Stars defeated Anglola 101-78 in Manila’s Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, guaranteeing South Sudan the highest finish of any African team in the games and a place at the Paris Olympics.
“Your efforts gave us recognition on the world stage, for example, our national anthem was sung and our flag hoisted for the first time in a completion of this nature,” the President pointed out.
Similarly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation issued a statement hailing the performance of the young team.
“This remarkable feat marks a significant milestone in the sporting history of our beloved nation,” the statement read.
“The Bright Stars Team’s qualification for the Olympics is a testament to the talent, dedication, and hard work of the players, coaching staff, and the entire basketball fraternity in the country,” it added.
The Ministry also paid special tribute to the leadership of team.
“We would also like to express our gratitude to Luol Deng, the president of the South Sudan Basketball Federation, Royal Ivey, Team Couch, the coaching staff, and all the players for their exceptional leadership and outstanding performance. Their collective efforts have laid the foundation for a brighter future for basketball in South Sudan,” it acknowledged.
Forward Nuni Omot, who scored 17 points, told media afterwards, “It’s unbelievable, it’s a dream come true. We became an independent country in 2011. Everything’s that’s happened in these last couple of years… No one ever imagined or dreamed of being in this position.
“Now we’re going to have the chance to walk across the Olympic stage with our flag. I’m so emotional right now. I’m just very blessed to be a part of it.”