Enjoy “Seysoccer Cliff’s Corner” by Cliff Nolin:
The season itself was very competitive and physical, but there are teams that lack a clear identity; they don’t always attack and defend as a unit. They sometimes defend with four or five lines, which is not acceptable in the modern game. They encounter difficulties controlling the space between the lines. In the offensive third, they lack ideas, and their attacks are always predictable.
The champion, Cote d’Or, lacked consistency in the first round, but they stepped up a gear at the right time and were rewarded for their efforts and determination. When they regain possession, they often bypass pressing with long balls behind the opposition’s defense. They also use their pace, especially when attacking towards the flanks, to beat the opponent’s defense. In their last away match against Anse Reunion, even though their goalkeeper was sent off early in the match, they were able to turn the tide in their favor, and the eventual victory paved the way for them to win the title. Coach Barra brought a fresh air of calm confidence to the club.
Anse Reunion kicked off the season on a very high note. They are a highly competitive team with many talented players. However, the team lacks the consistency that would have crowned them as champions of the Premier League. Coach Basil is building a team that will consistently compete among the best. In life, not everything goes according to plan. What is essential now is to look to the future.
Light Stars is a well-organized team. I’m impressed by their tactical understanding, clear organization in both attack and defense, and their outstanding team discipline. Coach Ted and his coaching panel are doing a great job. If they continue with the same approach, there is a possibility they will win the title next season.
Foresters is a very competitive team. They lost some key players at the beginning of the season, and the new recruits encountered difficulties adjusting to their style of play. They tried exceedingly hard until the end of the season. Coach Errol and his coaching panel are very devoted and have football at heart. I’m convinced that next season they will come back stronger.
Last season’s champion, St. Louis, was among the favorites to challenge for the title. It is clear that in football, nothing is concrete; loss of form, injuries, errors by officials, and bad luck have played a big role in their ups and downs during the season. Coach Gavin is a very good tactician, and I am convinced that they will do their homework and get ready for the 2025/26 season.
The newly promoted Real Maldives impressed with their style of play. The team is flexible and often switches between systems as tactics require. There is evidence to suggest that their coaching staff is doing an amazing job. If they recruit at least three outstanding players that fit their philosophy, they will be among the teams challenging for the title.
PTL Bazar Brothers were title contenders on paper. They recruited heavily in the transfer window but still struggled. They changed all their foreign players in the second window and reinstated Rivaldo, who was remarkable in their last two matches against Light Stars and Northern Dynamo. The new foreigners contributed significantly to helping Bazar avoid relegation. To secure their position in the Premier League, they defeated Northern Dynamo 5-0 in their last match.
St. Michel, the most successful club in Seychelles since the return of sports clubs, was among the teams battling relegation. They survived the scare after Anse Reunion defeated La Passe in their last league match. They need to act accordingly to get the club where it belongs.
La Passe, another top club in Seychelles football, was also at the wrong end of the table. After losing to Anse Reunion on Saturday, they will now meet the championship runners-up to determine their destiny. I am convinced La Passe will still be playing in the Premiership next season.
Northern Dynamo will be playing in the Championship next season after seventeen years in the top flight. Investing in youth and giving them the chance to showcase themselves has been a key strategy for the club. They keep fighting despite having a budget that is fifteen times less than that of the leading clubs. They must not panic and start blaming each other. It’s essential for the management to meet and decide the way forward.
