South Sudan Premier League's influence on young players faces acid test against Kenya U20

(Photo Credit: Mozzart Sport)

South Sudan face Kenya on Sunday, 20 September, with their U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification hopes hanging in the balance after a brutal 4-0 defeat to Burundi in their opening CECAFA qualifiers Group C match.

The Bright Stars know they need a strong response against the Rising Stars, and Mariel Mathew, South Sudan U20's second assistant coach, says the squad has already addressed some of the weaknesses exposed in their opening game.

“After learning a few lessons from the first game, we have tried to raise the level of physical fitness of the boys,” he told Mozzart Sport.

“We have also trained on the turf, and it will not be strange to us again like the first game. We will try our best to minimise our mistakes and try to execute our chances in order to win the game.”

But beyond the immediate qualification battle, Mathew sees the country's emerging domestic league as an important part of South Sudan's long-term football development.

For him, the South Sudan Premier League is becoming more than a competition for senior players. It is also creating an environment in which younger footballers can learn, develop and eventually strengthen the national team.

Source: https://www.mozzartsport.co.ke/football/news/south-sudan-premier-leagues-influence-on-young-players-faces-acid-test-against-kenya-u20/69061