Seysoccer Team had a chance to talk with the Technical Director of Northern Dynamo, Cliff Nolin, about the club’s transfer window activities. He graciously shared his insights and vision for the upcoming season. “Northern Dynamo can match any team in the top flight” Nolin noted.
Seysoccer: What’s the goal this transfer window?
Nolin Cliff: To reinforce the team to be more competitive
Seysoccer: Any players signing/leaving Northern Dynamo so far?
Nolin Cliff: So far Geal Denis (Muccia), Tarick Maringo (Rovers FC) and Darren Gonzales (Rovers FC) have left the club. Adrian Hoareau has returned to Northern Dynamo after a season at Foresters, and there are 5 young players also joining the club because Dynamo will always nurture young talents.
Seysoccer: Is it true Ricky Pool might join from PTL Bazar Brothers, despite 2 very good goalkeepers you already have (Gael Denis and Liam Esther)?
Nolin Cliff: There is nothing concrete Ricky as far as I know. Ricky is still a PTL Bazar Brothers player.
Seysoccer: Tracking other clubs’ transfer activities – who’s doing best?
Nolin Cliff: PTL Bazar Brothers have been very active in the transfer window. Teams from the inner islands have been very active as well. But having the best players doesn’t guarantee success, because you could have a good team on paper, but football is played on the grass.
Seysoccer: Can Northern Dynamo finish top 6 next season?
Nolin Cliff: Northern Dynamo can match any team in the top flight. Our players are comfortable in possession. The key is that we have created a training environment that constantly challenges our players to think and react quickly, while also providing them with the tools and understanding. It is essential they always make smart decisions on the pitch. We need to always attack and defend as a unit, and if every player is consistent in their motivation and understands the need for sacrifice and preparation, there is the possibility we will surprise most of the top teams.
Seysoccer: Participating in planned Seychelles Premier League U20 competition, also give us thoughts on how it’s going so far.
Nolin Cliff: I am very disappointed with the Seychelles Football Federation because we had prepared our under-20 team. The competition should have started about 4 weeks ago, but to our disappointment, the competition has still not started. This is not acceptable. There is a lack of consistency regarding youth development. We are always restarting – the under-20 competition was phased out without any valid reason. It’s high time we make decisive steps and stop moving around aimlessly.
Seysoccer: Will supersub Marcus Maria get more minutes next season?
Nolin Cliff: Marcus is one of our key players. He is smart and always exploits the space in the opponent’s defense. He is economical and intelligent. Our young players need his leadership to help motivate and develop them into complete players. He has got Dynamo at heart and will always try his best to help the club fulfill its objectives. He will definitely be part of our plan, and I am convinced he will be there to thrill the fans with his dazzling skills and intelligent passes.
Seysoccer: Is Anil Dijoux leaving Northern Dynamo?
Nolin Cliff: Anil and all the other young players at Dynamo know that they could not be in more assured or safer hands. We will take them as far as long as they want to stay under our guidance. The aim is not only to make them good footballers, but also better citizens of Seychelles. We have been very consistent in showing them that the most important thing is their development, because the more they improve, the better the results. They have surpassed our expectations – they are determined to thrill the fans with their effective passing game. They will try their best to live up to the expectations. In football, we can’t guarantee results because there is the error of the officials, bad luck, injuries, loss of form, etc. Therefore, in football, nothing is concrete. There is evidence to indicate that Northern Dynamo has a very bright future. We are trying our best to help with the development of football, even if we encounter a lot of difficulties.
Seysoccer: Message for Northern Dynamo fans?
Nolin Cliff: The fans should always be positive. Those young lads need your support for them to be able to fulfill their objectives. Thank you very much for your support during last season. We are convinced that we will not disappoint you during the 2024/25 season.
Seysoccer: Any suggestions for Seysoccer?
Nolin Cliff: I am really satisfied with the work Seysoccer is doing to promote Seychelles football. Keep up the good work.
Thanks to Cliff Nolin for his kind words and taking the time to thoroughly address all of our questions. We look forward to catching up with him again later this year to discuss other topics, but for now the focus remains squarely on the club’s transfer window activities and their plans to reinforce the squad for greater competitiveness in the upcoming season.
