In most leagues around the world, the break between two seasons lasts between six and eight weeks. Why the off-season in Seychelles dragged on for over four months remains baffling—a question only the Seychelles Football Federation (SFF) can truly answer.
1. Deteriorating Facilities and the Crisis on the Inner Islands
The training grounds on Praslin and La Digue clearly fall well short of the required standards. Instead of moving forward, our football is taking steps backward. Why should teams be forced to play home fixtures at Baie Ste Anne once renovations wrap up?
Back in 2010, when the Amitié Stadium opened, the atmosphere was electric, uniting youth from Praslin, Mahé, and La Digue. It is inexcusable that nothing has been done to replace the badly degraded artificial turf at Amitié. Numerous players have suffered serious injuries directly caused by this unplayable surface.
We urgently need a thorough investigation into this issue. This deteriorating setup threatens to alienate our young talent. Football in Seychelles finds itself in a fragile state, and without immediate intervention, this crisis will only worsen.
2. Finding the Right League Format
An ideal amateur setup requires balance. An 18-match season—where ten amateur teams face each other twice, home and away—remains the most practical, sustainable format for our local context.
Local clubs simply lack the operational organization and financial muscle required to sustain an extended 36-match campaign. The SFF’s failure to build modern infrastructure and help clubs establish sustainable structures continues to stifle progress. Resources received from FIFA must be deployed far more transparently and effectively.
3. Neglecting Inner Island Clubs
Inner island clubs face an enormous disadvantage. Repairing the competitive and financial damage caused by these short-sighted decisions by the end of the season will prove exceptionally difficult for Praslin-based teams.
The introduction of home-and-away football was a historic milestone. It granted players from Praslin and La Digue the platform to shine in front of their own communities, drawing passionate support to the touchlines and showcasing the growing strength of local football across all levels.
Today, that momentum has stalled. Footballers across Seychelles – particularly those on the inner islands – feel abandoned. Football extends beyond the final scoreline; it builds national unity, discipline, respect, and community identity. Every match possesses a unique character shaped by its venue, supporters, and local culture. Stripping that away damages the very heart of the game.
