JUBA — South Sudan has launched its first Women’s Premier League, creating a new national competition aimed at expanding opportunities for female footballers and strengthening the country’s women’s game.
The league was officially launched by the South Sudan Football Federation (SSFF) at the Imperial Hotel in Juba on Saturday, with 12 teams set to compete in the inaugural season.
The participating clubs are Juba Queens, Munuki Women, Bentiu City, Yei Joint Stars, Simba, El-Merriekh Juba, Kator, Wajuma, Malakia, Nile Eagle, Salam Aweil and Atlabara Women.
The competition is intended to provide female players with a regular competitive environment where they can gain match experience, develop their careers and compete for opportunities to represent South Sudan at regional and international level.
Speaking at the launch, SSFF President Francis Amin Michael called on families and communities to support girls who want to play football and allow them to participate in organised football programmes.
South Sudan Women’s Representative Suzan John described the launch as an important moment for women’s football in the country, saying the league would provide a structured pathway for players seeking to progress to regional and international competitions.
“Today is a meaningful day for South Sudanese women as we launch this Women’s Premier League in Juba,” John said.
The launch builds on recent efforts to strengthen women’s football in South Sudan. The country has previously operated a Women’s Super League, with Yei Joint Stars winning the 2024/25 title after completing the campaign unbeaten. They defeated Wajuma FC 2-0 in their final match at Juba National Stadium.
The country’s football authorities have also been developing women’s football at youth level. In 2024, the South Sudan Football Association announced plans for Premier League competitions for under-17 and under-20 men’s and women’s teams, alongside women’s National Cup competitions.
The new women’s Premier League comes as South Sudan seeks to establish stronger domestic structures for a national women’s team that has increasingly featured in continental competition. The national team took part in the qualifying campaign for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, facing Algeria in the first round.
The inaugural Premier League is expected to give national-team selectors a larger pool of players competing regularly at domestic level while providing clubs with a structured platform for developing talent.
The league winner will receive $15,000, while the runners-up will receive $5,000, according to Eye Radio.
For a country whose football identity has historically been dominated by the men’s game, the creation of a dedicated women’s top-flight competition marks a significant step in giving female players a more permanent place in South Sudan’s football system.
