South Sudan, often recognized for its basketball talent and the Bright Stars international squad, is making strides in a different sport: blind soccer. The Blind Premier League, launched in 2023 and supported by the NGO Light for the World, is helping to raise awareness about disabilities in a country facing numerous challenges.
This grassroots initiative aims to promote inclusion and visibility for individuals with disabilities, primarily focusing on underserved communities. The league features four teams based in Juba, with players ranging from 15 to their 20s, offering a platform for those who once believed their dreams of playing soccer were over.
Among the participants is Jimmy Just Augustin, captain of Kator Blind Football Club. After losing his sight as a child, Augustin thought his soccer days were behind him until he discovered blind soccer in 2020. His skills on the field have earned him the nickname “Messi,” reflecting his talent and determination.
Playing blind soccer has given Augustin a renewed sense of purpose and community. As a student at the University of Juba, he advocates for disability inclusion in education, encouraging others with disabilities to join the sport and defy societal misconceptions.
Understanding the Game
Blind soccer has distinct rules tailored to accommodate players with visual impairments. Each team consists of five players—four completely blind outfield players and one sighted goalkeeper. The outfield players wear eye patches to ensure fairness, while the ball features sewn-in rattles to allow players to track its movement.
Games are played in silence, enabling players to hear the ball and communicate effectively. Matches take place on smaller fields, and players must call out “voy” to signal their movements, ensuring safety during play.
The sport was officially recognized by the International Blind Sports Association (IBSA) in 1996 and became a Paralympic event in 2004. Recent successes, including France’s gold medal win at the 2024 Paralympics, highlight the sport’s growing significance.
A Response to Challenges
Despite its positive impact, the Blind Premier League operates against a backdrop of adversity. Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has faced ongoing civil conflict, leading to significant displacement and a struggling economy. Approximately 1.2 million people with disabilities live in the country, facing barriers in accessibility and social acceptance.
Simon Madol, a coach and technical director within the league, emphasizes that changing societal attitudes toward disabilities is crucial. Many people still harbor misconceptions, leading to discrimination at family and community levels.
Madol, who found his way back to soccer through Light for the World, highlights that practical challenges, such as the lack of specialized equipment, hinder the sport’s growth. However, he notes that the league has begun to change perceptions and improve opportunities for its members.
Looking to the Future
Despite being in its infancy, the Blind Premier League has ambitious goals. Organizers aim to expand the league across all states in South Sudan and are in the process of registering with IBSA to pave the way for participation in international competitions, including the Blind Football African Championship in 2026.
Madol believes that success at this tournament could lead to South Sudan’s involvement in the World Blind Football Championships and possibly the 2028 Paralympics.
Both Madol and Augustin see their league as more than a dream; it represents a tangible goal for the future of blind soccer in South Sudan. They aspire to grow the sport not only nationally but also on the international stage, inspiring future generations to take part and continue the movement toward inclusivity.
Through soccer, the Blind Premier League is not just changing lives—it’s reshaping narratives about disability in South Sudan, offering hope and opportunity where there was once despair.
