About 24 teams are set to compete in the13th edition of the South Sudan National Cup, 2024, which will kick off on January 18, the South Sudan Football Association has said.

The tournament will be divided into three zones; Renk, Juba, and Aweil.

During the planning and scheduling meeting on Tuesday, Victor Lawrence Lual, the Secretary-General of South Sudan Football Association (SSFA) expressed confidence that the upcoming tournament would be a success.

“This is the first big competition for South Sudan Football Association Cup 2023 to 2024. We encourage the teams to defend well and also score when they are playing home and away,” he said.

On Pariang's absence from the tournament, Lawrence said: “Why Pariang is not appearing here is not Pariang alone, but there are also some of the teams. They (Pariang) started their leagues and competition but they were not approved officially to be part of this. Maybe from next year they will be passed by the general assembly to be part of the competition. We are not denying that they are not part of the activities,” he said.

Lawrence also applauded the club administrators for their continuous cooperation with the federation, which has contributed to the success of the federation’s tournaments and the overall progress of football in the country.

Wiyoul Lampouch, the Chairperson of the SSFA Competition Committee, thanked Augustino Maduot, the president of SSFA, for working round the clock and in supporting the competition committee.

“We have lobbied several companies to support the tournament,” he said.

Lampouch thanked the organizing committee for their commitment to the smooth organization of the tournament.

The drawing ceremony was attended by South Sudan Football Ambassador and music star, Dynamic, who supervised the process.

Dynamic emphasized the importance of football as a tool for unity and peace in South Sudan. He praised the federation for its efforts in the renaissance and development of football, stating that he will continue to work hard to spread the culture of peace through soccer.

The tournament will be divided into three groups: Aweil, Juba, and Renk. 

The Group A matches will feature Rome FC (Wanyjok) vs. Pangok FC (Abiemnhom) and Burtiit FC (Yirol) vs. Wolves FC (Tonj). The winners of these matches will advance to the quarter-finals.

In Group B, Mission FC Yei will face off against EL Merriekh FC Bentiu, while Volcano Football Club – Torit will take on Kudule FC Terekeka. The winner of the match between Super Star FC and a team from either Nimule Sub LFA or Kapoeta Sub Local FA will also advance to the quarter-finals.

Group C in Renk will see All Star FC (Ulang) compete against Gelb Al Ased FC (Maban) in the preliminary round. The winners of this match will face Olympic FC (Renk) in the semi-finals, while Wanding FC (Nasir) will take on Gelb Al Ased (Melut). The winners of the semi-finals will battle it out in the finals.

The South Sudan National Cup promises to be an exciting event, with teams from across the country vying for the championship title.