Africa-Press – South-Sudan. You may have to wait a little longer to watch the national team – Bright Stars play on home soil even after FIFA finally give Juba National Stadium a thumbs up to stage international matches.
The world football governing body early this week gave a thumbs up to the only standard stadium in the country to stage high-profile games, even as the refurbishing process continues.
Sadly though, the certification wass only on the playing surface and not the entire premise, according to South Sudan Football Association (SSFA) Spokesperson Albino Kuek.
“What has been approved is artificial turf. The stadium itself will be satisfied at the completion of all the other ongoing works,” Kuek told City Sport.
This means that the stadium may not host any games anytime soon.
According to Kuek contractor is currently putting the final touches on the perimeter wall, toilets and parking area before the stadium is finally open to the public. Also yet to be worked on is the lighting system, including floodlit.
The artificial, however, has so far received greenlight from a team of FIFA inspectors. The validity of the field will run until December 6, 2025, after which it is most likely to be closed again for renovation.
A section of South Sudanese football fans has been jubilating at the news of FIFA approval after several months of waiting.
“I believe we are on the right track to go; we have been waiting for that, and we are hopeful will now host our games at home,” one football fan identified on social media as Abugo wrote on Facebook.
With over 90 per cent of work already done, it is expected that the stadium will be opened in the first quarter of the year.
“The stadium remains under construction as of now,” Kuek said. He added that a final expectation will have to be conducted again, by FIFA, before its official opening.
“FIFA will send a team to inspect the rest of the places, starting from the sanitary facilities, the broadcasting centre, security lights, entrance, and the parking yard,” he added.
The certification process is one of FIFA’s requirements used to demonstrate whether the stadium complies with international standards before issuing the final accreditation.
The key areas of interest were the size of the pitch, dressing rooms, floodlights, technical bench, pavilion, media centre, parking and others.
When completed, the stadium will see Bright Stars host their home matches in Juba.
Currently, South Sudan hosts her matches in neighbouring countries.
The stadium was closed for rehabilitation in April 2019. The construction work was estimated to be completed by February 2020.
The project was funded by FIFA, to the tune of $5 million.
Source: The City Review South Sudan
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