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DR Congo’s Loboko appointed new El Merriekh SC Bentiu coach
Experienced tactician Jean Claude Loboko has been appointed new head coach of El Merriekh SC Bentiu.
Loboko from the Democratic Republic of Congo was unveiled on Wednesday during a ceremony at the Palm Africa Hotel in Juba.
“The Pride of Bentiu is delighted to welcome our new Head Coach, Jean Claude Loboko who joins the club on a one-year contract until 2027,” said the Club.
Loboko is not a new face in South Sudan Football having guided Jamus SC to winning the League title in the 2024/2025 season.
“I am happy to return to South Sudan. We shall work hard together as a team to be able to attain our objectives,” said the new coach.
Club Secretary General Walai Wunow Keah welcomed the new coach and also extended sincere appreciation to former head Coach Ibrahim Hussien for his dedication, professionalism, and contribution during a historic season for the club.
Hi first task will be to prepare the team to win the South Sudan Super Cup and later shape up for the continental 2026/2027 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.
Table leaders EL Merriekh SC Bentiu will open their 2025/2026 South Sudan Premier League campaign against Lion Hunters SC.
According to a communication issued on January 15th and signed by the South Sudan Football Federation (SSFF) Secretary General, Bak Athian Bak, the second round will kick-off on Janaury 22nd.
El Merriekh SC Bentiu will take on Lion Hunters SC on January 25th at the Juba National Stadium.
Al Ghazala SC will take on second placed Jamus SC on January 22nd in the first match of the second round, while Atlabara FC battle third placed Kator SC the next day.
The second round of the South Sudan Premier League sponsored by MTN South Sudan is expected to end on May 1st, 2026.
Ugandan winger Martin Kizza Lubwama has joined EL Merriekh SC Bentiu.
The experienced former Ugandan International was unveiled on January 14th after signing a short six month contract.
“EL Merriekh SC Bentiu is delighted to welcome Uganda International Martin Kizza, who joins the club until the end of the 2025–2026 season (six months),” said the Club.
The Club is confident that Kizza’s experience and quality will add great value to the squad.
In Uganda Kizza has featured for SC Villa, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Express FC and Vipers SC before, while he also played for two South African sides; Royal Eagles FC and Free State Stars FC. He has been featuring for Ethiopia Premier League side Fassil Kenema FC.
Kizza is comfortable with dribbling, accurate ball passing, crosses and shoots at goal from varying distances.
The new signing who is capped 15 times for Uganda Cranes joins many other Ugandan players who are plying their trade for different clubs in the South Sudan Premier League.
EL Merriekh SC Bentiu finished top of the first round of the 2025/2026 South Sudan Premier League with 34 points, two ahead of arch-rivals Jamus SC.
The South Sudan national team head coach Nicolas Dupuis has invited a 26-man squad that includes five EL Merriekh SC Bentiu players ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.
Dupuis named the team on Tuesday ahead of the two group Ba matches against Senegal and Togo.
The Bright Star will host 2019 Africa Cup of Nations champions Senegal on October 10th, and take on Togo six days later with both matches to take place at the Juba National Stadium.
The five EL Merriekh SC Bentiu players invited include; Pal Paul Puk, Atir Thomas Tom, Wani Ivan Adebo, Chol Peter Bentiu and Keer Mangar Majok.
South Sudan are bottom of Group B with 4 points picked from four draws from eight matches played.
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