The Yambio Local Football Association (YLFA) on Sunday elected a new board of directors, while Joseph Ndede Ndepi was re-elected as president for another four-year term, with a renewed commitment to peace, unity, development, and the promotion of football in Western Equatoria State.
The announcement was made by Arik Bin Arik, Chairperson of the YLFA Electoral Committee, who officially declared Ndede the duly elected president for the term spanning from 25 May 2025 to May 2029.
“This declaration is made under my hand and the official seal of the Electoral Committee,” Arik stated, affirming the credibility and transparency of the election process.
Ndede will be deputized by Justin Rotto, while Olal Joseph Onorio assumes the role of Secretary, and Odrande Taku takes charge as Finance Officer.
Under Article 21 of the Unified Local Football Regulations of South Sudan, the YLFA General Assembly also elected additional board members. The announcement was delivered by Adv. Abdallah Delesuk, Secretary General of the Sub-Electoral Committee.
The newly elected board members are Alex Ngami, Asunta Alex, Joseph Abbas, Raymondo Dominic, Alison Wande Ariminio, Mbarote Alison Martin, Sam Enosa Mbaraza, Emmanuel Sadic, and William Charles Maribu.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Ndede expressed his appreciation for the continued confidence placed in him by the General Assembly.
“I am deeply honored and thankful. This is not just a personal victory, but a collective achievement for the entire football community in Yambio,” he said. “The responsibilities ahead are significant, but through teamwork and openness to ideas, we will take football in Yambio to greater heights.”
“Our office doors will remain open to all for suggestions and collaboration,” Ndede added.
Meanwhile, Joseph Apai Arkangelo, a football administrator, told this publication that Ndede’s re-election marks a positive step toward the development of football in the state.
“Joseph Ndede is a man of vision. His leadership over the past four years has shown real progress, from transparent management to the successful completion of football leagues at all levels, and even infrastructure developments like the construction of a new meeting hall,” he stated.
Apai also praised Ndede for ensuring uninterrupted competitions across the first, second, and third divisions, stressing that such consistency fosters a competitive spirit through promotion and relegation systems.
In his closing remarks, the Western Equatoria State Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports, David Simbi, urged sports administrators to begin early preparations for the 2029 elections. He also encouraged political party representatives to educate their members about the electoral process to strengthen democratic participation.
Simbi further appealed to the South Sudan Football Association (SSFA) to distribute clear rules and regulations to all clubs.
“Understanding the conditions for participation will help clubs prepare adequately, ensuring inclusive and transparent elections,” he said.