Nicolas Dupuis has always loved a challenge. A low-key appointment as Madagascar coach in 2017, the 56-year-old secured some strong results on the island in the Indian Ocean. The first coach to steer the Barea to the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Frenchman is now intent on achieving similar success in his new post with South Sudan.
Fully committed to this latest challenge in his career, Dupuis knows what he needs to do to take South Sudan forward, a process that will involve a steep learning curve in the African qualifying competition for the FIFA World Cup 26™.
Exposure is just what is needed for the South Sudanese, who have been drawn into a tough group featuring 2021 continental champions Senegal and AFCON 2023 semi-finalists Congo DR. While most eyes will be on the two group favourites, in South Sudan all the attention is on their derby meetings with Sudan, the first of which took place on 11 June against a nation that are impressing in currently topping the group.
To understand the link between the two nations, you have to go back 13 years to South Sudan’s declaration of independence, which Sudan recognised immediately. That match last month was just the third between the two countries. Held in the South Sudanese capital of Juba, it ended in a 3-0 defeat for Dupuis’ side, though that was far from the whole story.
“It was an amazing experience where football took a back seat,” said the South Sudan coach. Read on for our full interview with Dupuis, who opens up on the qualification campaign so far and his hopes for the continent at the next World Cup.
You were appointed South Sudan coach last October. What is it that appealed to you about the job?
Nicolas Dupuis: I was Madagascar coach for seven years and it was more or less a case of ‘carte blanche’ when I went into the job. I had that same feeling with South Sudan, which is what appealed to me about it. I was free to lay down some markers and build something new. When they contacted me about it, I was motivated by that ‘carte blanche’ side to it again. South Sudan only achieved independence 13 years ago and I felt that their FA needed a helping hand.
Tell us about that derby against Sudan at home. What was it like for you?
It felt different to any other match I’ve ever been involved in. It was unique and the atmosphere was incredible. The players responded and we created ten-or-so clear chances, but we couldn’t keep our composure and take them and we ended up losing 3-0. More importantly, though, FIFA President Gianni Infantino was there to watch the game, as was the head of state and representatives of both nations. It all went off really well. At the end of the game, the two sides did a lap of honour with the two national flags, which was wonderful to see.
South Sudan is a young country. How do you go about selecting your players?
After the war, a lot of South Sudanese people fled the country and went to places like Australia. Most of the national team live in Juba and neighbouring countries. We travel when we can, and when we can’t we use apps to follow the players based overseas.
You’re fifth in Group B of World Cup qualifying. What’s your take on the campaign so far?
We’re there to learn. We’re using these qualifiers to prepare for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. We’re in a very strong group against Senegal, the 2021 African champions and three-time World Cup finalists. We are very much the underdogs and we have to accept that. We’ve had our moments, though, like the 1-1 draw with Togo and the goalless draw against Mauritania, and we’ve had occasions to remember too, like the game against Sudan. I can sense that the players are very receptive and I can see the progress we’re making. I think we’ll make our mark in the next few games.
At least nine African teams will qualify for World Cup 26. Can the rest of the world expect big things from them?
Yes, I definitely think so. When I came to Africa about eight years ago, I saw a lot of tactical errors being made. That’s not happening now. A lot of the players are playing in the major leagues, which means they don’t feel inferior when they go to big tournaments like the World Cup. African teams are set up now to challenge the biggest nations in the world and I can see at least two of them reaching the quarter-finals at the next World Cup.
What are your fondest memories of the World Cup?
France’s first win in 1998 was just amazing. I’ll never forget it and it was a magical moment that I shared with my wife and children. Les Bleus’ second World Cup win came as less of a surprise to me.
