Deborah Luka: Yei Joint Stars’ big name on mission
Yei Joint Stars hit woman, Deborah Stephen Luka, who has established herself as one of the top strikers in the country’s women’s football, is looking forward to a brighter future as she pursues her football career.
She expressed her plans to take her career to the next level to nail South Sudanese women’s football on the map and improve her FIFA rankings.
“In my dreams, I want to see myself at the next level, better than I am now, and, more significantly, I want to see South Sudan at the next level, where other countries fear and respect us when it comes to women’s football.”
Deborah, who is 19 years old, is optimistic that South Sudanese women’s football will soon reach a new level.
“A girl like me cannot pursue football as a full-time career, but I am grateful to my brother, who is also a footballer, for motivating me in a ninety-minute game, during which my parents began encouraging me to play football,” the Bright Starlets star revealed.
The unstoppable Deborah, who pulls strings at Yei Joint Stars as a striker, stated that despite the numerous hurdles she and her teammates face, she is committed to playing for the country if the opportunity arises.
“Thank you for your unwavering support for my football career. I can honestly say that they are the reason I am where I am now. I am proud to play football and hope to improve my country’s position if I am given the opportunity,” she added.
According to her, South Sudanese females have talent and a bright future in football if they are given the necessary support by the government and other well-wishers.
She said it was not too late for the country to help the women’s sports industry.
“What matters is that you establish a standing for doing good in your country, which will make everyone proud.”
“My advice to other female football players is to keep working hard, believe in yourself, and never give up. Ignore the naysayers who tell you that you’re wasting your time. You are not squandering your time. It’s all about what you believe in. You’re capable of more, “she said.
Deborah said there is nothing easy in this world, adding the world’s most successful people are those who work hard.
She asked parents and guardians to allow their daughters to explore their abilities as a career job. She said there are no specific jobs for men or women.
Deborah helped her club (Yei Joint Star) win their local FA Cup last December, paving the way for them to compete in the 2021/2022 Women’s South Sudan Cup, where she finished as the top scorer.
For the second year in a row, the Yei Joints Stars women’s team defeated City Stars Women 6-0 to win the Yei Local Women’s South Sudan Cup 2021 (Y-LW-SSC). She scored four of the six goals.
Her amazing harp and outstanding performance helped Yei Joint Stars win the 2021/2022 Women’s South Sudan Cup for the second time in a row, and she was the tournament’s leading scorer with 14 goals, including a super hat trick followed by three others.
Deborah achieved her maiden international hat trick in a FIFA international friendly match against a Sudanese side in February this year. At the time, she scored three goals in the first leg, which South Sudan won 6-0, and one goal in the second leg, which South Sudan won 3-0.
