Curtain falls on submission of credentials for SSFA presidency

Curtain fell on the period for the submission of credentials for the candidates vying for the South Sudan Football Association (SSFA) presidency on Wednesday June 30. The association announced the closure of the window period on Thursday morning, stating in a tweet that the secretariat had embarked on examining the applicants. The tweet read: ‘‘The doors for submission of all candidacies’ positions in the upcoming SSFA General Election has been officially closed yesterday 30^th June. As the submission of candidacy was on-going through SSFA Secretariat, the Electoral Committee was as well examining the candidates.’’ The race attracted six candidates who are gunning for the position to head the association. They include the former SSFA Vice President Yohannis Pouk, Shafiq Gordon Ali Botala, the incumbent president Francis Amin, Peter Achuil Agodeng Ayik, ex-referee Lual Maluk Lual and the SSFA Secretary-General Victor Lawrence. While formalising his candidature for the second term, alongside his deputy Venasio Amum on June 24, Mr Amin promised a peaceful and credible election. He added that his intention was to accomplish the projects he initiated such as the renovating Juba, Malakal and Wau stadia as well as upgrading the Buluk playground. On May 30, the ex-referee Mr Lual pledged to wage war against graft which he said is stifling the growth of football in the country. “Corruption is one of the phenomena that cripple progress which I will stand against to ensure the football industry can compete internationally,” he said. The association faces problems ranging from cash crunch, lack of facilities and sponsorships for the local leagues.