In the world of football, players like Gervais Waye-Hive and Lucas Panayi are invaluable assets for any coach. They possess the unique ability to bridge the gap between players and coaches, ensuring smooth coordination on and off the field. Recognizing their busy schedules during our time in Abidjan, we decided not to disturb them. However, we eagerly anticipate catching up with them upon their return to Seychelles, where we can delve into their experiences in greater detail.
Discover Gervais Waye-Hive’s perspective on the recent time in Abidjan with the national team. From the coaching staff to previous and upcoming games, hear his insights and experiences firsthand.
Seysoccer: How was the experience playing against a top-level team?
Gervais Waye-Hive: It was an amazing experience to play alongside these big names. We had to give our best and fight until the last moment. Undoubtedly, it was one of the toughest games I have ever played for the Seychelles national team, even considering my previous matches against teams like Nigeria.
Seysoccer: What is the team’s recovery plan after the challenging match?
Gervais Waye-Hive: The plan was to go straight into recovery mode. The medical team primarily focused on players who played 75 or 90 minutes, immediately starting the recovery process after the final whistle. I must mention that the recovery was done properly, including ice baths, recovery boots, massage guns, and massages. So, yes, the aim was to bring everyone back to 100% for the match against Kenya.
Seysoccer: Did you feel the opposing team’s physical advantage in duels?
Gervais Waye-Hive: As we all know, we have a really young team. Everyone, apart from me, is at the beginning of their careers. Many of them actually played their first international match, and it was against a top-level team. It was difficult for them because Ivory Coast players are much stronger and faster than us. However, as our coach said after the match, we have to focus on ourselves, our progression, and keep working and training in that direction.
Seysoccer: What lessons did the team learn from playing against such a high-level team?
Gervais Waye-Hive: Well, some of the boys have learned that football at the international level, especially here in Africa, is really fast and aggressive. There are a lot of contacts, so you have to be physically strong. I think everyone learned a lot from this match – how to defend, how to attack, and how to build from the back under that heavy pressure. We definitely need to be much faster and stronger if we want to reach that level one day.
Seysoccer: How is the team receiving support from Seychelles via social media and messages?
Gervais Waye-Hive: I know how it is back home. I know it’s mostly negative as people don’t know how hard it is to play international football. People don’t understand how big the gap is, and that’s the problem. That’s why negative comments are happening. Our coaches advised us not to look at these things. Personally, I saw only a few comments, and I’m surprised that there are actually more positive comments. It seems like people understand that we are at the beginning of the project with all these young players in the team. We have objectives to meet during these two games, and that’s what we are focused on. But yes, in general, it seems like there are more positive comments this time, and I’m happy because of it!
Seysoccer: What are the team’s goals moving forward after this valuable experience?
Gervais Waye-Hive: Right now, the next step is Kenya tomorrow. It’s a long-term plan to grow these young players into stronger and faster players, so they can compete at this level one day. Our goal is to progress and grow as a group, developing as much as we can until the next two games come next year.
Many thanks to Gervais Waye-Hive for sharing his insights. Wishing him the best of luck in the upcoming match against Kenya!
