Meet Ryan Henriette, an incredible Seychellois footballer who is making a name for himself both at Foresters club and on the international stage representing Seychelles. With his impressive performances and growing reputation, Henriette has become a key player for both his club and country. In this interview, we will dive into his journey, aspirations, and thoughts on the beautiful game.
Seysoccer: Hi Ryan! Before we talk about your football career, could you share a bit about yourself, like your age and any nicknames?
Ryan Henriette: Absolutely! I’m Ryan Henriette, but you can also call me “Batman.” I’m 23 years old and I live in Cascade. My date of birth is January 23, 2000.
Seysoccer: Can you tell us about your journey as a football player leading up to joining Foresters FC?
Ryan Henriette: My journey as a football player with Foresters FC has been quite challenging. I started playing with the Foresters youth team when I was just 14 years old then playing for both the under-17 and under-16 national teams simultaneously.
After playing at Foresters for one and a half seasons I received an offer from Red Star. I chose to join Red Star and spent a season there, gaining valuable experience. However, eventually, I decided to return home.
My journey as a player has been far from easy. I faced numerous challenges and obstacles along the way. But I never gave up, even when things got tough. I have a strong, unbreakable mindset that keeps me resilient and determined. Nothing can bring me down when I’m in the right state of mind.
Seysoccer: What is the most memorable match or moment of your career so far, and why does it stand out to you?
Ryan Henriette: I have two incredibly memorable matches in my career so far. The first one is the semi-final against La Passe in 2020, and the second one is the SFF Cup final against Cote d’Or.
La Passe was a remarkable match because it was the year I won my first trophy, and we also achieved a double that season. It was an incredibly exciting match. If you had watched it, you would have agreed that I deserved the title of the man of the match. I scored two goals and provided two assists in that game. We emerged victorious with a 5-1 scoreline.
The Cote d’Or match holds a special place in my heart as well. I was awarded the man of the match in this final too. I scored two goals and provided one assist, helping our team secure the victory.
Both of these matches are etched in my memory because of the significant contributions I made to the team’s success. They were moments of personal achievement and glory, showcasing some of the best performances of my career so far.
Seysoccer: What are your personal goals for this season with Foresters FC? Are there any specific achievements you are aiming for?
Ryan Henriette: My main goal for this season with Foresters FC is to defend the title and win it again, just like we did in the previous season. My focus is on contributing with goals and helping the team achieve success.
Seysoccer: How do you see yourself contributing to the growth and development of football in Seychelles in the coming years?
Ryan Henriette: I see myself contributing to the growth and development of football in Seychelles by being a role model for the younger generation who look up to me. It’s truly inspiring to hear young players say, “Batman, I like what you’re doing. One day, I want to be like you,” or “Batman, you’re my favorite player.” This motivates and inspires me to keep working hard.
Seysoccer: Are there any particular parts of your game or skills that you’re working on to get better in the future?
Ryan Henriette: Yes, I’m really focusing on improving my ability to score goals. I believe that scoring goals can make a big difference in a game, even if I’m not doing well in other areas. So, I’m practicing a lot to become a better goal-scorer and help my team more.
Seysoccer: Can you share any insights into your plans for maintaining a balance between your football career and personal life in the future?
Ryan Henriette: To achieve a good balance between my football career and personal life, my plan is to become my own boss and start my own business. This way, I can have more control over my schedule and dedicate ample time to both my family and football commitments. By creating this balance, I aim to prioritise and nurture both aspects of my life effectively.
Seysoccer: Do you have any ambitions to explore opportunities outside of Seychelles in the future?
Ryan Henriette: It has always been my lifelong dream to become a professional football player. If it’s in God’s plan for me, I would definitely be open to exploring opportunities outside of Seychelles. I’m willing to go wherever my football career takes me.
Seysoccer: Ryan, what are your predictions for the upcoming matches (Round 6)?
Saint Louis – Northern Dynamo: 3-1
Anse Reunion – PTL Bazar Brothers: 1-2
Red Star DF – Cote d’Or: 1-2
La Passe – Foresters: 2-3
Saint Michel – Lightstars: 0-1
Seysoccer: Thank you, Ryan! Your dedication and passion for the game are truly inspiring. Keep working hard and never stop chasing your dreams.
