On Saturday, the South Sudan National Basketball Team secured a two-year jersey sponsorship agreement with Peak Sports, a renowned Chinese sportswear and footwear producer.
This collaboration was formalized just a week prior to the Bright Stars embarking on their inaugural FIBA World Cup journey, with their opening game against Puerto Rico in Manila, The Philippines. The Federation’s president, Luol Deng, and Peak Sports’ CEO, Jim Xu, ratified this advantageous sponsorship in Jingjiang City, Quanzhou. This is also where the Stars are slated to participate in two international friendly matches leading up to the World Cup.
The signing event was graced by sports dignitaries and envoys from both China and the South Sudanese Embassy in Beijing. A statement from the South Sudan Embassy in Beijing detailed,
“In attendance at the signing were Counselor Mr. Jimmy Gama Hassan and Second Secretary Mr. Mariano R. Nuer from the South Sudanese Embassy, Peak Sports’ Chairman Mr. Jingnan Xu, national team players, delegation members, and representatives from local media outlets.”
In related news, South Sudan is set to face off against Iran on Sunday, August 20, 2023, marking one of their concluding international friendly matches. This encounter is scheduled for 2:30 PM Central Africa Time (8:30 PM Beijing Time). Iran’s recent track record shows defeats in their last five matches against teams like Georgia, Jordan, Montenegro, and two losses to The Philippines. Conversely, South Sudan experienced defeats in their recent friendlies against Brazil and Australia but clinched a victory against Venezuela.
The South Sudanese squad made their arrival in the southern Chinese metropolis of Quanzhou on Friday, August 18, 2023, and were warmly welcomed by embassy and diplomatic personnel. Their next game is against Jordan, scheduled for Tuesday, August 22, 2023.
