Yiep Joseph
Africa-Press – South-Sudan. More players are expected to link up with the rest of the national basketball team in Australia ahead of the FIBA World Cup set to throw off in a fortnight.
Already, Wenyin Gabriel, who turns out for the NBA side, the Lakers, has been included in the squad that is currently in boot camp training in Australia.
Though the federation is tight-lipped on when they will name the final squad, a letter by President Salva Kiir penned to four NBA players, to come and represent the country, has since surfaced, giving a slight hint that the team may be facing some headwinds ahead of the all-important event.
The quartet includes Wenyin, Marial Makur Shayok (Maine Celtics), Johkhow Panom Thor (Charlotte Hornets), and Bol Bol of the Orlando Magic.
Sources within basketball told City Sports that some of the core members of the team would have missed the trip to Asia.
Kiir’s letter, dated June 17, was reportedly delivered to the above players a few days ago, leading to a positive response from Wenyin, who was the first to be announced by the basketball federation.
“I am writing to invite you to consider joining South Sudan’s National Basketball team and participating in the upcoming FIBA World Cup that will take place in Asia starting August 25t, 2023,
“As a highly regarded athlete in the field of basketball internationally, your positive response to this noble call will not only add value to the realm, but it will also demonstrate your pride in your heritage as well as your willingness to give back to your people,” read part of the president’s letter.
City Review could not independently confirm why the head of state had to personally appeal to the four players in particular, to show up.
South Sudan will be making her global debut on August 30 when they play Puerto Rico on August 26.
“Personally, I take the development of sport in general and basketball in particular across South Sudan as a national priority. The same spirit is shared by our national institutions and the entire public, which have shown and continue to show unwavering support to Bright Stars in their journey to the World Cup in Aria,” added the head of state.
The president promised last year that he would personally attend some of the Bright Stars matches in the Philippines.
Bright Stars’ other Group B opponents include Serbia and China.
The games will be co-hosted by three countries: the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia.
Source: The City Review South Sudan
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