Advertisement

“You are ambassadors of hope”: Catholic Bishop Lauds South Sudan’s Basketball Team at 2024 Olympics

Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio (CDTY)

Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of  the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio (CDTY) in South Sudan has lauded Bright Stars, the country’s men basketball team, for their “outstanding” performance at the ongoing Paris 2024 Olympic games.

On July 28, South Sudan defeated Puerto Rico 90-79 in the country’s first-ever Olympic participation, the latest milestone for the world’s newest nation that gained independence from Sudan in July 2011.

 South Sudan, which is playing in its first Olympics after qualifying as Africa’s top finisher in last year’s World Cup.

The Bright Stars, which had finished as Africa’s best Basketball Team during last year’s World Cup nearly pulled off the same upset against the U.S., losing 100-101 in the July 20 exhibition game ahead of the start of the Olympics.

In a statement shared with ACI Africa Tuesday, July 30, Bishop Hiiboro weighed in on the July 28 performance of Bright Stars against Puerto Rico. 

Advertisement

He said, “It is with great pride and joy that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Bright Star Basketball Team for their outstanding achievements.”

“Your victories on the court are a source of immense pride for our nation, and you have truly raised the flag of South Sudan high among the nations,” the South Sudanese Catholic Bishop said, and added, “Despite being as young as our country, your dedication, hard work, and talent have shown the world what we are capable of achieving.”

He continued, “You are not just athletes; you are ambassadors of hope and progress, reflecting the spirit of resilience and determination that defines us as South Sudanese.”

The first-ever participation in the Olympics and the victory over Puerto Rico of Bright Stars “is a testament to the progress we are making as a nation,” the Local Ordinary of CDTY since his Episcopal Consecration in June 2008 further said. 

“It demonstrates that with unity, hard work, and a shared vision, we can overcome any challenge and achieve greatness. You have inspired us all and have shown the world the potential that lies within South Sudan,” he said.

More in Africa

“You are our ambassadors right in international playgrounds and face of our nation; please keep Jesus Christ in the Center and God be your strength,” Bishop Hiiboro, who serves as the President of the Integral Human Development Commission of the Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SCBC) said.

He continued, “As we celebrate your achievements, let us continue to support and nurture the talents of our youth. Let us strive to provide them with the opportunities and resources they need to excel, not just in sports, but in all areas of life. Together, we can build a brighter future for our nation.”

“Congratulations once again to the Bright Star Basketball Team. You have made us all proud, and we look forward to your continued success. God bless you all, and God bless South Sudan,” Bishop Hiiboro said. 

In their Wednesday, July 31 game against the U.S., Bright Star lost 103-86. The South Sudanese Basketball Team is set to play against Serbia on Saturday, August 3.

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.