The Seychelles national team has experienced a mix of highs and lows in recent years, with a focus on developing a new generation of players. The team’s last two victories came against Sri Lanka in 2021 and Bangladesh earlier this year, both achieved through narrow 0-1 scorelines. In the match against Sri Lanka, Warren Mellie’s goal in the 68th minute secured the win. Impressively, just three days later, Seychelles managed to secure a draw and clinch the friendly tournament with a 1-2-0 record.
The most recent win for the national team occurred earlier this year when they triumphed over Bangladesh with a 0-1 scoreline. The decisive moment came in the 62nd minute when M. Mancienne successfully converted a penalty. These victories provided a glimmer of hope for the team.
However, since the match against Sri Lanka on November 13, 2021, the national team has encountered various challenges. During this period, their record stands at 2-3-12, with a goal difference of 6:37. Notable goals were scored by B. Labrosse (against Zambia), W. Mellie (against Zambia and Sri Lanka), M. Mancienne (against Bangladesh), R. Henriette (against Comoros), and J. Ernesta (against Lesotho).
Seychelles National Team Coaching Staff
We want to prepare Seychelles for the future and give some international experience to young players with the objective of performing well in the next Indian Ocean Games.
In the World Cup qualifiers, Seychelles fielded a young team, marking the beginning of a new era with the aim of nurturing a fresh generation of talent. However, the team faced tough opposition in their last two matches, resulting in a 0-0-2 record and a staggering 0:14 goal difference, with defeats against Kenya (0:5) and Ivory Coast (0:9). Read National Team Diary – LIVE From Abidjan.
Kenya – Seychelles | Starting XI: C. Siméon, H. Monnaie, G. Waye-Hive, L. Panayi, M. Payet, M. Bristol-Cissoko, E. Sopha, N. Labiche, R. Damoo, I. Raheriniaina, R. Henriette
Michael Delpech (Saint Michel United, Manager)
On the technical side, I have listened to all the interviews on local and international media, but still today, I am not convinced it will work. Yes, we need fresh legs (young players), which I support, but at the same time, we need results. There were 23 players in the last selection who participated in IOIG 2023. Yes, I admit that the management and the players failed to deliver, but can you change 20 players all at once?
Reviewing the team’s performance in recent years, 2023 has seen a record of 1-0-6 with a goal difference of 3:24.
In 2022, the team faced a challenging period, recording a 0-2-6 record with a goal difference of 2:13. Notably, during their European tour in 2022, Seychelles played against San Marino, securing one of their two draws (the other being against Lesotho in the Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers).
In 2021, the team achieved a 1-2-1 record with a goal difference of 3:8. The highlight of the year was their success in a friendly tournament Mahinda Rajapaksa Cup 2021 in Sri Lanka, emerging as champions with a 1-2-0 record and a 2:1 goal difference. At that time, it seemed Seychelles was on the cusp of brighter days ahead.
This is the Seychellois national team’s first tourney win since 2011 when they received the Indian Ocean Island Games gold medal through penalties against Mauritius.
With a focus on nurturing young talent and building for the future, Seychelles remains determined to make strides in international football and bring pride to their nation. It is undeniable that the results would greatly improve and become more positive if our national team were able to play home games at Stad Linite, as was the case in the past. The presence of thousands of passionate football fans would provide an extra push to the players on the field, particularly given the youthful composition of our team. Their support would undoubtedly uplift and inspire the players in today’s context.
