Francis Amin Returns as South Sudan Football Federation Boss

(JUBA) – Francis Amin Michael has been elected President of the South Sudan Football Federation (SSFF) after defeating incumbent Augustino Maduot Parek in a closely watched election held in Juba on Friday.

The election took place during the Federation’s 4th Elective Extra Ordinary Congress at the Bank of South Sudan. Amin, who previously led the Federation between 2017 and 2021, secured 26 votes out of 38, while Parek, who also serves as Acting President of the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA), managed 12 votes.

Speaking after his victory, Amin expressed gratitude to the delegates for restoring their confidence in him.

“I am very happy that members trusted me and voted me back to lead football. We must now work together for the future of the game,” he said.

Amin will serve until 2029. A businessman based in Juba, Amin was the second person to head the SSFF since its establishment. He had previously lost his seat in the 2021 elections but has now made a return to the helm.

The elections also brought changes in other leadership positions. Makur Majok was chosen as First Vice President, while Deng Abdelrahman was elected Second Vice President.

Ahead of the vote, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr Joseph Geng Akech, urged the delegates to put unity and the development of football above personal interests.

“Our football can only grow if we work together with one voice and focus on what matters most,” he said.

The election was observed by officials from FIFA, the world football governing body, and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), signalling the importance of the process for the credibility and growth of football administration in South Sudan.

The change in leadership comes at a critical moment for South Sudanese football. The national team, Bright Stars, has gained regional attention in recent years but still struggles with funding challenges and infrastructure gaps. Officials say the Federation will require renewed cooperation with government, private sector and international partners if it is to fulfil its ambitions.

The election in Juba mirrored similar processes across East Africa. On Saturday, Wallace Karia was re-elected President of the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) during its general assembly at Tanga Beach Resort. Karia, also a CAF Executive Committee member, secured a new four year term.

He pledged to strengthen football structures in Tanzania and reappointed Athuman Nyamulani as First Vice President in line with the Federation’s constitution, while Nassoro Idrisa was elected Second Vice President.

SSFF Presidential Election Results