South Sudan’s blind footballers chase Paralympic dream

October 30, 2025 / 9:07 AM

Sharjah24-AFP: In Kampala’s vibrant stadium, the rhythmic clatter of a football replaced the roar of the crowd as South Sudan’s national blind football team, the “Bright Stars,” scored their way into history. With a 3–0 victory over Uganda in the final match of the inaugural East African Blind Football Championship, the team moved closer to its long-term goal, representing the world’s youngest nation at the 2028 Paralympic Games in California.

Breaking barriers through sport

For the Bright Stars, football is more than just competition; it signifies transformation. Established only five years ago with two players, the team has expanded into a 40-member squad, uniting athletes from various communities across South Sudan. Guided by coach Simon Madol Akol, the programme has become a symbol of hope and inclusion in a nation still healing from years of conflict.

The players navigate the pitch guided by sound, a ball fitted with bells and the constant call of “voy” to signal movement, forming a unique language of trust and teamwork that goes beyond sight.

From adversity to achievement

Training conditions remain tough. Most public pitches in South Sudan are unsafe for visually impaired players, and the team has to rent its only suitable field. Still, these obstacles have strengthened their resolve. The recent creation of the country’s Paralympic Committee after a decade of effort marks a turning point for sports inclusion.

In Kampala, the Bright Stars stood tall. Their confident play, precise coordination, and unrelenting spirit captivated the small but passionate crowd. For many watching, it was their first glimpse of how sport can empower people with disabilities and reshape perceptions at home and abroad.

An inspiration beyond borders

The team’s success has echoed well beyond the field. South Sudan’s victory in Uganda was not merely a scoreline; it was a source of pride for a young nation, demonstrating that determination can surpass limitations.

Their story has inspired a growing following across the region. Fans and supporters from organisations like Light for the World say the team’s journey reflects how inclusion and representation can drive social change.

As the Bright Stars look ahead to future qualifiers and their Paralympic ambitions, they carry with them more than a dream — they carry a message: that resilience, teamwork, and belief can turn even the faintest sound of a ball into a symphony of hope.