TotalEnergies U-20 AFCON: South Sudan coach James: 'We’re not here by chance'

The Young Bright Stars of South Sudan will be making history when they face former champions Congo in Group B of the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

South Sudan will be making their debut at the competition after qualifying for the first time as CECAFA runner-up but head coach Peter James says they’re not there by luck.

“Football is a hard-working game and South Sudan has worked hard and we’re not by chance,” Peter James told journalists on Sunday.

“We’re here to present South Sudan and show the world where South Sudan football is, and we wish to go further in the tournament.”

The debutants will be hoping to cause an offset when they face the Red Devils who have won the tournament in the past.

“Tomorrow will be our first game and we have prepared well to show up and it will be good to give a good impression. The weather in South Sudan is different from Egypt and it was good we arrived early and acclimatized for the tournament,” James said.

Joseph Loro Marko Jele will have the honor of leading the Young Bright Stars out for the country’s maiden continental competition.

“I’m grateful to represent our country for the first time at the TotalEnergies U-20 AFCON, and qualifying the team for the first time is exciting for South Sudan and everyone,” Loro said with a broad smile.

“We’re here to aim for more and my vision is very high, and I want to achieve for South Sudan and my career.

“Wining tomorrow will be a great victory for the country not only football. It would mean a lot to the country, but we’re prepared for it and personally it would be something great to win our first match on our debut appearance. We are not here to participate we are here to compete.”