News
Five EL Merriekh SC Bentiu players earn national team call-up
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.
Super Premier League reigning champions El Merriekh SC Bentiu have signed Ghanaian defender Kekeli Attor.
“We are delighted to officially announce the signing of Kekeli Attor from Hohoe United FC of the Ghana Premier League,” said El Merriekh SC Bentiu in a communication.
The defender was unveiled on Monday in the presence of Club Secretary General Walai Wunow Keah.
The 25-year-old right-back joins the club on a two-year contract and brings valuable experience, quality, and determination to strengthen our defensive line.
“We warmly welcome Kekeli to the team and wish him great success during his time with us,” added the Club.
He is expected to travel to Uganda to join the rest of the team on a pre-season training camp under the watchful eyes of new coach Jean Claude Loboko. The team is preparing ahead of the new season including the 2026/2027 TotalEnergies CAF Championship League.
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.
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