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Lukuli Hearts to test El Merriekh SC Bentiu in International friendly tie
South Sudan Premier league reigning champions El Meriekh SC Bentiu will face Lukuli Hearts FC in the first pre-season friendly match on Friday.
The match against the Kampala Regional League side will take place at the Nsambya Yes Center in the morning.
Head coach Jean Claude Loboko says the friendly match comes at the right time because the team has spent two weeks in training now.
“I am also new in the team and many players are also new. It is a good time for us to have a match and try out what we can do,” says Loboko.
The coach has named his 26-man squad that will face Lukuli Hearts FC in his first match in charge of the Pride of Bentiu. He said the team will also have another friendly match next week against a Uganda Premier League side.
El Merriekh SC Bentiu are camped in Uganda preparing ahead of the busy 2026/2027 local and International season that will see them play in the TotaEnergies CAF Champions League.
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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