Beach Soccer: National Day Tournament |20 June 2023

International actions will be back at the Roche Caïman Beach Soccer Arena as from June 23 (Photo: Roland Duval)

Eight teams line up for National Day ‘Sand Challenge’

Following the exclusion of beach soccer on the list of sporting disciplines for the 11th Indian Ocean Islands Games scheduled for Madagascar in August, local fans will still have the chance to see the national selection in action, during the National Day Tournament which will take place at the Roche Caïman Beach Soccer Arena from June 23 to 28.

The tournament, part of the activities on the National Day calendar, will involve eight selections, including two foreign squads.

The Seychelles national selections will be divided into two teams – Seychelles White and Seychelles Blue , while the other four local representatives – Sand Warriors, Classic 15, Lost Boys and U20 –  are made up of players selected from different beach soccer competitions, including the recently held first Guiness Football Night.

As for the foreign squads, they are the Burundi national selection, along with Barea ‒ a selection of Malagasy players currently playing in the local leagues.

During a recent press conference at the Maison Football at Roche Caïman, member of the Seychelles Football Federation (SFF) executive committee responsible for beach soccer, Philip Sinon, explained that following the exclusion of beach soccer in the IOIG, they decided to give fans an alternative to enjoy the game, by seizing the ideal opportunity to include it among the activities to commemorate National Day.

Mr Sinon explained that one national selection will be coached by Herald Kowlessur, while the other one will be under the guidance of coach Travis Julienne.

He added that after the tournament, the national selections will merge back to play the Burundian selection in more formal matches.

Mr Sinon added that the tournament has been made possible through generous support from various sponsors, and for that reason, entrance will be free for spectators.

The competition will kick off on Friday June 23 with Seychelles White facing the Sand Warriors.

Roland Duval