By Sabri Dibaco
Former South Sudan national team striker Justin John Ambrose, popularly known as Mbukani, has completed a move to Olympic Renk FC, expressing excitement about returning to the capital to compete in the South Sudan Premier League after spending the past two years with Super Eagle FC of Yambio.
In an interview with No. 1 Citizen Daily Newspaper after signing his contract, Mbukani said returning to the capital after spending the last two years in Yambio has given him a fresh opportunity to compete at the highest level of domestic football.
The striker described the transfer as a fresh beginning and one of the happiest moments of his football career.
“For sure, my brother, I’m very, very happy to be here in Juba. For the past two years, I’ve been in Yambio. I was not even feeling well. I was not happy with my being in Yambio,” Mbukani said during an interview after completing his move.
He added that returning to Juba and playing in the country’s top-flight league had always been his ambition.
“My returning back to Juba to play in the Premier League is a very, very happiest moment for me. To be back and come and play for one of the teams in the Premier League, I’m so happy for that.” Mbukani outlined
Mbukani thanked God, his friends, and former teammates for supporting his journey back to the capital.
“I pray to God, and I thank my friends and my teammates who made it possible for me to come to Juba and play in the Premier League. I’m so happy to be also among the best players who are in the Premier League this year,” Mbukani said.
The striker revealed that his transfer to Olympic Renk was warmly received by many football fans, friends and former teammates at Super Eagle FC.
“Most people called me and congratulated me for the move. Most friends and my teammates were happy for it.” Mbukani added
However, he admitted that some of his former teammates were saddened by his departure.
“Some teammates were worried that they were going to miss me. They are going to miss my services, and they feel they have no one who can replace me. But that’s how football is. If I go and face another challenge outside there, that’s how it is.” Mbukani stated
Mbukani also used the interview to encourage young footballers in Western Equatoria State and across South Sudan to remain committed to the game, saying the future of football lies in the hands of the next generation.
“There are some boys who, if they continue and give themselves to football, they can take our state to another level”. Mbukani opined
He emphasised that talent alone is not enough to succeed in football.
“Let them work hard. Let them focus on football. If you put yourself to play football and if you carry your career in football, you have to sacrifice yourself for it. Football matters a lot,” Mbukani said.
According to the midfielder, dedication and sacrifice are the keys to building a successful football career.
“The only thing is sacrifice. If they want to progress in football, they have to give all that football needs. That’s all I can tell them,” Mbukani said.
Justin Young Ambrose began attracting national attention during his spell with Atlabara FC Juba, where he played from 2020 to 2022. His impressive performances earned him a place in the South Sudan national team, which he represented in 2020, becoming one of the country’s promising strikers.
After leaving Atlabara, he joined Simba FC Juba, where he played from 2022 to 2024, helping the club compete in domestic competitions and becoming one of its influential players.
Following two seasons with Simba FC, Justin returned to Yambio and joined Super Eagle and has now secured a move to Olympic Renk FC, where he hopes to revive his career and contribute to the club’s ambitions in the South Sudan Premier League.
The signing is expected to strengthen Olympic Renk’s striking with the experience of a player who has competed at both club and international levels.
Fans will now be looking forward to seeing the former South Sudan international make an immediate impact as the new football season approaches.