South Sudan's basketball national team captain unfazed by contract loss over loyalty to country

Just days after writing history with the South Sudanese men’s basketball side ‘Bright Stars’ by becoming the first African country to qualify for the FIBA World Cup slated for later in the year in Asia at their first time of asking, skipper Kuany Ngor Kuany’s contract with his Finish employers was terminated.

The club Karhubasket, a professional basketball team in Finland, where Kuany was featuring claim they agreed to terminate the player’s contract on ‘mutual consent’ after news of them cutting off the small forward were met with back lash on social media.

According to the club, Kuany was put on total rest for at least four weeks to recover from an injury but he wanted to play for his country and thus terminated the contract.

South Sudan - a country only 12 years old - is headed to the World Cup!

However, his statement, four days after the conclusion of the final qualifying window of the African Qualifiers where South Sudan won all three matches against Senegal, Democratic Republic of Congo and Egypt to wrap a perfect 11-1 win/loss ratio, casts doubt on the club’s statement.

Kuany, in a statement posted on his socials says while it is unfortunate he lost his contract, he would not change a thing.

“A token of appreciation to all Junubin fans, close friends and family for your unwavering support these past few days. It's unfortunate I lost my contract, however on the flip side we've created history and are taking South Sudan to it's first ever World Cup, a feat no money can buy.

Your kind messages and well wishes have been overwhelming and just goes to show that I made the right decision as I have the backing of the whole nation, and if I was to go back in time, I'd do the same thing and always put my country first.

We're a young nation with so much to offer and this is just the beginning, let's continue to come together and develop our country.

We have the best fans in the world, you are our back bone, our driving force and we hope to see you all in Japan, Thailand or Phillipines for the 2023 FIBA World Cup. (sic),” the statement reads.

South Sudan are set to make their debut at the FIBA World Cup as they represent the continent alongside Egypt, Angola Ivory Coast and Cape Verde.