Football-Can Red Star recover from nightmarish 2007 season? |25 October 2007

One of two teams formed following the split-up in late 1993 of ‘la grande équipe d’Anse Aux Pins’, Red Star have, since their formation, always played in the country’s first division after finishing among the top teams in the Classification league in 1994.

Known to be a very good cup side, Red Star have won the prestigious Cup competition – previously Homemakers Cup and now Land Marine Cup – four times, the curtain-raiser President’s Cup on four occasions and the Airtel Cup twice.

Having represented Seychelles in African club competitions on many occasions, Red Star twice won the first division league title in 1998 and 2001.

Red Star’s relegation to the second division, could have devastating consequences on the club.

The effects of relegation could soon start to be felt in the exodus of the club's leading players.  This is quite normal as the career of a footballer is short and some of Red Star’s best players are Seychelles internationals and need top flight matches to keep their place on the Seychelles team.

After clubs are relegated, players with higher profile usually choose to leave the team because they won't want to waste their talents to save a sinking ship. It is sure that none of them would want to risk one or two years in the second division.

Already this year, Red Star suffered a lot in all departments as many of their top players spent most of the season on the sidelines nursing injuries.

Injured striker Wilnes Brutus was missed in attack, while left-footed defender Allen Larue did not get to express himself fully in defence as a result of a knee injury.

On the other hand, with the egos of today’s players seemingly increasing every year, it would be nice to see Red Star’s top players be ready to stand by their club – especially when in difficulty.

Staying with their relegated club to play lower league football says a lot about the players’ character and spirit.

It therefore remains to be seen if Seychelles internationals Bernard St Ange, Wilnes Brutus, Allen Larue and Nigel Freminot as well as Malagasies Taly and Guy Rene Raberante will choose to stay on and help rescue the club.

If Red Star happen to keep their whole squad, it could take them a minimum one season to move back out into the top flight.

Northern Dynamo, who like Red Star have lost their first division status after a two-year stint among the elites, were able to keep top players Asman Todisoa, Steve Henriette and Ronny Hoareau when they were relegated in the past.

If Red Star’s top players remain faithful to the team, all credits will go to them as they would have ensured the nightmare of their club to be short-lived. 

It would also be good to hear such a story in today’s world of pampered footballers.
It remains to be seen if Red Star can bounce back to the top flight and challenge for all the main titles like they did in the past.

Finally, keeping sponsors on board can also be difficult for a team like Red Star who have slipped down a league.

L. K.

Red Star’s list of honours

First division league champions
Winners in 1998 and 2001

President’s Cup winners
Winners in 1995, 1996, 2000 and 2005

Knockout Cup winners
Winners in 1995, 1996, 1999 and 2004

Airtel Cup
Winners in 2005 and 2006