South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Waure Eddy
The Yambio Football Association (YFA) on Thursday approved its budget for the 2025/2026 season, marking a new era of transparency, discipline, and growth in Western Equatoria State.
The budget will support a variety of competitions, including the men’s and women’s South Sudan Cup (Yambio), divisional leagues, women’s league fixtures, and youth tournaments.
In conjunction with the financial plan, the YFA has implemented strong financial policies designed to regulate cash flow, enforce accountability, and ensure transparent resource management.
YFA President Joseph Ndepi Ndende highlighted the significance of embracing these new guidelines, urging board members to maintain transparency and teamwork in managing the association’s resources. “Respect and collaboration are the pillars of institutional growth,” he stated.
The meeting also addressed leadership transitions within the Maridi Football Association (MFA). Following the resignation of Mr. Stephen Paite, YFA appointed MFA Vice President Emmanuel Juma Francis as interim president, with a mandate to organise by-elections within 30 days. The MFA was also tasked with producing the 2025/2026 South Sudan fixtures promptly.
In a decisive governance directive, YFA board members were given until Sunday, September 28, to resign from their respective clubs or face replacement—an initiative aimed at eliminating conflicts of interest and reinforcing institutional integrity.
YFA announced several key appointments to streamline operations: Ngami Alex Baime as Chairperson of Youth Competitions, Joseph Abbas as Head of YFA Competitions (assisted by William and a female representative for women’s football), Ondrade Tako Tagumbi as Head of Finance, with Pio Kparabatiko as deputy, and Alison Wande & Paulino Munga as Finance Committee Members, among others.
Additionally, Paulino Munga (Referee Chairperson) and Joseph Walid (Coaches’ Chairperson) were tasked with presenting their work plans within 30 days.
To strengthen regional collaboration, the YFA executive will meet with MFA’s interim president, Mr. Emmanuel Juma Francis, today at 2:00 PM. The meeting aims to align strategies and ensure the smooth operation of football activities across Western Equatoria.
With its renewed focus on financial discipline, leadership clarity, and institutional respect, the YFA is redefining football as a means of unity, empowerment, and progress. The 2025/2026 season promises not only thrilling matches but also a legacy of responsible governance and community-driven growth.
