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| South Sudan Men's Football Federation (SSFA) Coach Mr. Nicolas Dupuis. |
JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN
The South Sudan Football Federation (SSFF) has suspended national team head coach Nicolas Dupuis for 15 days following his controversial remarks after the Bright Stars’ crushing 5-0 defeat to Senegal in the ongoing World Cup Qualifiers.
In a statement released on Saturday, the federation apologized to fans, partners, and the football community, calling the team’s recent performance and the coach’s comments “unsatisfactory” and “unprofessional.”
“The Head Coach is hereby suspended from his duties for a period of fifteen (15) days for breaching his contractual obligations and violating Article N (3) of the coach professional contract,” read part of the SSFF statement.
Federation Takes Swift Action;
The decision followed an extraordinary executive committee meeting held earlier in Juba to address the team’s performance and the coach’s post-match conduct.
The SSFF emphasized that discipline and respect remain cornerstones of the national team and vowed to maintain high standards of professionalism.
“We remain committed to professionalism, transparency, and restoring fans’ confidence after a disappointing run in the qualifiers,” the federation added.
An independent investigation committee has also been formed to review the incident and present findings within the coach’s suspension period.
In the meantime, the assistant coach will oversee the Bright Stars’ preparations for upcoming matches on an interim basis.
What the Suspension Means for the Bright Stars:
Analysts say the coach’s suspension could disrupt the team’s preparation schedule at a critical time, especially as South Sudan continues its hunt for a maiden World Cup qualification.
The Bright Stars, who showed promise in earlier fixtures, have struggled to maintain form against higher-ranked teams.
The heavy loss to Senegal exposed tactical weaknesses, defensive errors, and a lack of cohesion issues that Dupuis was expected to address.
However, insiders believe the federation’s firm response sends a clear message about accountability and discipline within South Sudanese football.
“This decision is about setting standards,” a senior SSFF official told local media. “Everyone in the national setup must respect professional codes of conduct.”
Fans have expressed mixed reactions on social media some backing the federation’s decision, while others argue that the suspension could hurt team morale.
Looking Ahead:
With the assistant coach now in charge temporarily, attention turns to whether the Bright Stars can bounce back in their upcoming qualifier matches.
The SSFF says it will review the investigation report before deciding on the coach’s long-term future.
The outcome could shape the direction of South Sudanese football heading into 2026.
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