South Sudan became an independent state in July 2011, following almost 50 years of civil war. This film follows veteran coach Zoran Djordjevic as he seeks to forge the first national football team in the new country.

A native of Pirot in Serbia, Zoran has had an extraordinary career, coaching in countries such as Bangladesh, Phillipines, Sudan and Yemen. But nothing could prepare him for attempting to build a team from scratch in a nation rated as amongst the most undeveloped in the world. The film follows Zoran’s team over its first year, from scouting for players in the wilderness to signing up a sheep called Champion as the mascot.

When South Sudan loses the oil money that makes up a staggering 98% of government revenue, financial meltdown beckons. And as the money supply for the national team dries up, Zoran finds himself in a bitter conflict with the local officials over his aggressive and even dictatorial management style. Under intense pressure, the football team compete in their first ever major international tournament, overcoming malaria, death and poverty. Coach Zoran and his African Tigers tells a unique story of nation-building that is surprising, tragic and often downright hilarious.