Nicolas Dupuis (South Sudan coach): "Keep progressing"

Sport News Africa: How did you come to be appointed South Sudan coach?

Nicolas Dupuis : Like other coaches, I had applied for the South Sudan job, as well as to other African federations. Since I stopped being Madagascar coach last April, I've been spending a lot of time on the island helping with the development of some academies. But I also wanted to get back onto a touchline. So there was an initial contact with the South Sudanese federation, and we decided to meet in Juba, the capital.

What were the main points of discussion?

Nicolas Dupuis : First of all, I got an excellent welcome. The federation agreed that I can spend part of my time in Madagascar and come to South Sudan often. I've already been to a few national Cup games. We agreed a three-year deal. I've followed the national team's results in recent years. I know the reality: the federation doesn't have much money, and the squad is made up of home-based players and a few expatriates, in Australia, the United States, a few African countries and a handful in Europe. There are no stars, but there is a desire to improve. The team has had some interesting results, such as a win in Congo (1-0) in qualifying for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and a friendly victory in Kenya (1-0). The aim is to keep moving forward and climb the FIFA rankings.

 

"There is a very good spirit in this squad"

 

You made your debut in November in the World Cup qualifiers. Your team lost in Senegal (0-4) but held Mauritania to a draw (0-0). Are you satisfied with this start to your tenure?

Nicolas Dupuis : Losing to Senegal, one of the best teams in Africa, is nothing to be ashamed of. We conceded three goals in the first half, two of them inside five minutes, but we played a good second half. I liked the team's response against Mauritania, a side who will be at the Africa Cup of Nations. Overall, I was pleased with the players' hunger and attitude. We hadn't had much time to prepare, and some of the expatriates arrived shortly before the game against the Senegalese.

What will the Bright Stars' ambitions be in this group?

Nicolas Dupuis : Obviously we won't be talking about qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. There are much stronger teams, including Senegal and DR Congo, who in my opinion are the two favourites in the group. We'll try to put in good showings, pick up points and hold better-equipped sides, as we did with Mauritania. We will also begin qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations early next year. Again, the aim will be to perform well, to improve and to win matches. We mustn't forget that South Sudan is a young country and that the federation doesn't have many resources. There is still a lot of work to do, but we're on the right track.

When will South Sudan be able to play in Juba?

Nicolas Dupuis : As soon as possible, I hope. It's never easy for a team not to be able to play at home in front of its own fans, and even more so for a modest side. It's a handicap to overcome, and South Sudan manage it thanks to their attitude. I've been told the stadium could be ready next June to host Sudan in World Cup qualifying. I don't really know what is still to be done for the ground to be approved by FIFA, but I've been given to understand it will soon be finished.

Alexis BILLEBAULT