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Wave of West Nile Players Defecting to South Sudan Continues
The trend of football players from West Nile switching allegiance to South Sudan shows no signs of slowing down, as more young talents make the move. Recent call-ups to the South Sudan U-20 squad for the upcoming AFCON U-20 CECAFA Qualifiers highlight the increasing number of defections from West Nile sub-region.
Recent Call-Ups Strengthen South Sudan’s Squad
Among the latest West Nile players to make the switch is Jafar Kerepi, a standout versatile forward who has impressed with both Onduparaka FC and Arua Hill SC. Kerepi’s performances last season, including a crucial goal in Onduparaka’s victory over Karo Karungi and a memorable consolation against UPDF FC, have earned him recognition. Now, he joins a host of other West Nile talents, such as Ismael Remo, Innocent Rwothomio, and Saidi Sukuru, in donning the South Sudan colors at the U-20 level.
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Here is the full list of West Nile players representing South Sudan at the AFCON U-20 CECAFA Qualifiers:
- Ismael Remo
- Innocent Rwothomio
- Saidi Sukuru
- Jafar Kerepi
- Toto Majub
- Swadik Nasuru
- Twalib Kassim
- Maduot Akili
These promising youngsters follow in the footsteps of more established West Nile players who have already made the leap to South Sudan’s senior national team.
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Earlier Defections
Kerepi and company are not the first from West Nile to make the switch. Over the past few years, several high-profile players have opted to represent South Sudan, citing better opportunities and more significant chances for international exposure. Among the early defectors are:
Toha Rashid. Hailing from Adjumani, Toha played for top Ugandan clubs such as Onduparaka FC, Vipers SC, and Arua Hill SC before moving to Kenya’s Police FC. His decision to represent South Sudan marked the start of a growing trend, and he has since become a vital player for the Bright Stars.
Geriga Atendele, a roving right-back, also switched allegiance after stints at Wakiso Giants FC and Arua Hill SC. Now at NEC FC, Geriga adds defensive strength to South Sudan’s squad, alongside another NEC FC teammate, Gadafi Wahab, a versatile midfielder who also started his career at Onduparaka FC.
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Okocha Rashid, one of the most consistent left-backs in Uganda, spent the majority of his career at Onduparaka FC. Though previously a member of Uganda’s Cranes squad for a friendly against Kuwait, Okocha never featured and eventually made the switch to South Sudan, joining the Bright Stars. Alongside him is Alfred Leku, an experienced striker who defected at the same time. Both players were recently called up to South Sudan’s squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
West Nile’s Talent Pipeline
The continued defection of West Nile players to South Sudan highlights the immense talent coming out of the region. While Uganda has historically benefitted from this talent pool, South Sudan is increasingly becoming the preferred destination for players seeking international exposure. The reasons for these moves vary, ranging from more playing opportunities to a chance at becoming foundational players for South Sudan’s national team.
The region’s deep footballing culture, nurtured by clubs like Onduparaka FC, Paidha Black Angels and Arua Hill SC (Now in Gulu), continues to produce players capable of making an impact beyond Uganda’s borders. As the AFCON U-20 CECAFA Qualifiers approach, more eyes will be on these young West Nile players, eager to see if they will follow the same path as their predecessors.
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