Former AFC Leopards and Bandari head coach Andre Casa Mbungo has set his sights on clinching the South Sudan Premier League title with Jamus FC, following an impressive start to his tenure.
After taking over the club in August, Mbungo has already led his team to victories in both the Juba Super Cup and the National Super Cup, proving his tactical prowess.
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A Winning Start for Mbungo at Jamus FC
His arrival at Jamus FC marked his return to the sidelines after a nine-month hiatus, having left AS Kigali in November of the previous year.
Despite limited pre-season preparation, the Rwandan tactician has quickly made an impact, guiding Jamus to two trophies within a short period.
The team’s 3-1 victory over Malakia in the Juba Super Cup set the tone, and just two weeks later, they lifted the National Super Cup after a tight 2-1 win over El Merreikh Bentiu.
This positive start demonstrates Mbungo’s ability to adapt and achieve results, even in challenging circumstances.
His focus now is to maintain this momentum as Jamus targets the South Sudan Premier League title, a trophy that would secure them a spot in the CAF Champions League.
Mbungo has made it clear that he is determined to wrestle the league title away from the reigning champions, El Merreikh Bentiu. “We have to try and win the league this season. We have made a good start, winning two trophies in two weeks,” Mbungo stated confidently. His ambitions reflect his drive to build on Jamus FC’s early successes and to establish the club as a dominant force in South Sudanese football.
The coach acknowledges the challenges ahead, especially given the team’s disappointing 5-0 aggregate defeat to Stade Tunisien in the preliminary round of the Confederation Cup.
However, Mbungo believes that these experiences provide valuable lessons that will be crucial in their domestic campaign.
Learning from Setbacks: Preparing for the League
Mbungo’s experience with continental football has shaped his approach to the league. Despite the early exit from the Confederation Cup, he remains optimistic. “Things did not go as expected in the continental games, but that was partly because we faced a very tough opponent. The recent results show we have recovered from that setback, and I believe we will have a good season,” he explained.
His ability to reflect on defeats and use them as learning experiences is a testament to his coaching philosophy. By focusing on areas of improvement and reinforcing the team’s strengths, he aims to guide Jamus to league success and beyond.
The Journey of a Coach: Why Mbungo Chose Jamus FC
Many expected Mbungo to take up a coaching role with a more established club in the region, especially considering his previous success with top teams in Rwanda and Kenya.
However, his decision to join Jamus FC was motivated by his desire to contribute to the growth of African football. As a CAF instructor, Mbungo sees his role as an opportunity to develop the sport further in South Sudan.
“I took up the opportunity to come to South Sudan because this is African football, and every chance we have to develop it should be taken.
I have managed big teams in Rwanda and Kenya. I received interesting offers from Tanzania, but now I am here. South Sudan is the next big thing in sports,” Mbungo explained.
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The Importance of Building a Strong Coaching Team
In building his coaching team at Jamus, Mbungo made a strategic move by selecting Kenyan coach Godfrey Oduor as his assistant.
His decision was influenced by the connections he formed during his time in Kenya, where he mentored young coaches like Anthony ‘Modo’ Kimani. Mbungo’s dedication to nurturing talent and fostering growth within the football community highlights his commitment to long-term development.
“I took my assistant from Kenya because I really love the time I spent there. I still have connections, and I visit once in a while. I would love to come back and work there someday, but now my focus is on this club and this opportunity,” Mbungo said.
His approach to collaboration and mentorship reflects a forward-thinking mindset that aims to build sustainable success at Jamus FC.
Jamus FC’s Road Ahead: Title Ambitions
With two trophies already secured, Mbungo and Jamus FC are well-positioned to challenge for the league title.
The victories in the Juba Super Cup and National Super Cup have boosted the team’s morale, and the players have shown their readiness to compete at the highest level.
His tactical knowledge and experience will be crucial in guiding Jamus through the league campaign, as they aim to dethrone El Merreikh Bentiu and claim the championship.
The stakes are high, as winning the league title would not only bring glory to Jamus FC but also grant them a coveted spot in the CAF Champions League.
Mbungo’s commitment to success is evident, and his focus remains on ensuring that the team maintains its form and competitiveness throughout the season.
