PuraVida Sports

By Penina Ogada

Kuta Collection FC defender Daniel Bichiok has earned a call-up to the South Sudan senior
national football team ahead of their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations preliminary round
qualifiers against Djibouti.

The defender received a warm send-off from teammates during training, where the squad
presented him with a pair of boots before lining up for a guard of honor to congratulate him on
the milestone in a show of camaraderie.

Kuta Collection FC – sponsored by Pura Vida Sports Africa – are preparing for their upcoming
Mozzart Bet Cup Round of 16 fixture whose draw will be done in Nairobi this week.

Kuta Collection eliminated KSG Ogopa FC 1-0 in the Round of 32 after having dumped out
Meru’s Al Azizia 6-5 on penalties in the Round of 64 in February.

Bichiok, a former captain of Nairobi United, brings significant experience to the side. He
previously led the club to victory in the Mozzart Bet Cup and helped guide the team to
promotion to the Kenyan Premier League in the same season.

Kuta Collection FC coach Paul Adera praised the defender’s leadership and experience, saying
his presence has been valuable to the team.
“Daniel Bichiok is a former Nairobi United captain. We are lucky to have his experience in the
team, considering that he captained the surprise winners of the last edition of the Mozzart Cup
and also helped Nairobi United earn promotion to the KPL in the same season,” the coach said.

The coach added that the defender’s national team selection reflects the club’s purpose:
providing a platform for unattached players to maintain match fitness and remain competitive.
“It means a lot to the team having one of our players called up to his national team. This shows
the importance of the team’s existence. Him not being attached to any competitive club will
not affect his performance since he is gaining the right match fitness and training with us,” he
said.

“His call-up shows the importance of why we have Kuta Collection FC in place to house
unattached players.”

South Sudan face Djibouti in away and home fixtures of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations finals on
March 26 and 29, respectively, with the aggregate winner advancing to the group stage
qualifiers for the tournament to be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania in June and
July next year.

Kenyan Stars Train Locally After Lebanon Conflict

At the team’s training session at the weekend, Kenyan internationals Masoud Juma and Austin
Odhiambo were also present, having returned to Kenya after club football in Lebanon was
disrupted by ongoing Iran vs USA military conflict.

During a training match, the youth team stunned the senior players, many of whom have
previously featured in the Kenyan Premier League, with a 3-2 victory.

The session highlighted both the depth of emerging young talent and the presence of
experienced professionals currently training in the country as they assess their next moves.

The presence of Juma and Odhiambo further underscores the purpose of Kuta Collection FC:
providing unattached or displaced players with a platform to maintain match fitness, stay
competitive, and continue developing their careers.

South Sudan team for the Afcon 2027 Preliminary Round Qualifiers:

Goalkeepers: Godwill Yugusuk, Machakos Marko, Majak Mawith;

Defenders: Samuel Taban, Daniel Bichiok, Ajak Dhieu Dut, Amanhom Khamis, Datha Joseph,
Dor Jok, Okocha Rashid, Atendele Mawa, Rehan Angier, Dungus Gattiek, Bangasi Bakasoro,
Benjamin Laku;

Midfielders: Teng Kuol, Godfrey Debele, Peter Sunday Makoi, Chan Peter, Manyumow Achol,
Jackson Morgan, Mario Taban, Jonathan Gem, Kur Kur;

Forwards: Manny Aguek, Ayom Majok, Okello Tito, Keer Mangar, David Vincent, Abraham Chol,
Marial Santos, Emmanuel Udu, Mathias Sebit, Lazarus Peter.

Photos courtesy of Penina Ogada