The new head of the Sudanese Football Association has said the country still have a long way to go to seriously compete on the African stage.

Dr Kamal Shadad, who was elected to replace Omer Abu Haraz, made his comments despite Sudan's third place in Group B World Cup qualifying, with 12 points from eight games.

He said. "It is true we did well in the World Cup qualifiers, but at the same time we did not do well at all in the qualification for the African Nations Cup in Mali."

They only picked up four points from six games in Group Seven to finish well out of the running.

Dr Shadad said the FA needs to reorganise domestic and international fixtures to help the national side progress.

"We need a very steady programme where we have a competitive local league and the national team plays more international matches so our players can benefit and go on to perform better.

Government support

"Our goal now is to qualify for the 2004 African Nations Cup." Sudan were African champions in 1970 but have not qualified for the Finals since 1976.

The board of directors of the Football Association have already moved to lay down guidelines to be implemented at grass-roots level by the different local associations to improve the administration of competitions and to enhance the performances of players.

The Sudanese government has also pledged its support for the national team.

"Ministers have approved a budget to employ able, foreign coaches who can assist in developing football in Sudan," Dr Shadad said.

One big improvement is that the national team is again popular with the fans, after going through long periods where few people would turn out to see international matches.

"The side now has a very large following, because of its recent performances and also as there were no domestic fixtures during the World Cup qualifiers which allowed the national team to enjoy huge support."