Football Gala Nite-Seychelles’ football sons and daughters rewarded |26 November 2007
Seychelles Football Federation (SFF) boss Suketu Patel, who holds a number of high
The three individuals received their certificates during last Friday’s first football Gala Nite held at the International Conference Centre of Seychelles (ICCS) and which coincided with the 50-year anniversary of Caf.
Community Development, Youth, Sports and Culture minister Vincent Meriton graced the evening along with Youth, Sports and Culture principal secretary Denis Rose, National Sports Council’s Chief Executive Officer Alain Volcère, Seychelles National Olympic Committee (Snoc) president Antonio Gopal, high NSC officials and invited guests.
Minister Meriton read the message of President James Michel, the patron of Seychelles football, who could not be present as he was attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kampala, Uganda.
President Michel wrote in his message that “the path to success in sport is not always an easy one particularly when we are a small island nation with limited resources. However, through commitment and dedication we can rise above expectations and achieve great things as we have shown many times before. It is these values that we celebrate today through the various awards that are to be presented.
“Sport can always unite our nation. Through football we can find ways of reaching out and touching so many of our young people. Let us cultivate our sport to be a symbol of all that we cherish in our country, let us celebrate our country’s unity through football.”
For his part, SFF boss Patel said that it has been the local football body’s wish for at least 30 years to host such an evening in a dignified environment to recognize the outstanding performers of the year.
Mr Patel talked about the oneness and the idea of voluntarism which form the engine of Seychelles football to make it progress, adding that money only greases the wheels.
“It is important that we can recognize people who have worked for football in the past so that we can be where we are today. Development can only occur when one builds on past successes – that is progress. We are the future you worked for and I hope we are doing you proud. In the same token for all people in football today, we have the same responsibility to build a solid foundation for those coming after us so that they too can build on our successes and make us proud,” he said.
On the night, certificates were also given out to 50 individuals who have helped in the promotion of Seychelles football in the last 50 years. They are Hugh Adam, Jemmy Adela, Patrick André, Yvon Azemia, Jimmy Baker, Rolly Baker, Georges Bibi, Gonzague Boniface, Wilhem Boniface, Patrick Cafrine, Jeris César, Ismaël Adam, Sedgwick Chetty, Marie-Claire Chetty, Walter Confait, Father Roger de Commarmond, Gonzague D’Offay, Nichol Dogley, Bernard Dorasamy, Paul Duprès, Dolor Ernesta, François Finesse, Simon Françoise, Antonio Gopal, Roch Henriette, Anthime Hoareau, Gerald Lablache, Roger Labonté, Sophus Larsen, Jean Larue, Danny Laurette, Eddie Maillet, David Marie, Justin Mathiot, Ulric Mathiot, Cliff Nolin, Louis Nourrice, Wilbert Omath, Suketu Patel, Carl Payet, Marc Payet, Danny Poiret, Finley Racombo, Ralph Jean-Louis, Rajack Ramjauny, Benjamin Socrates, Kenson Sophola, Basil Soundy, Brian Uranie and Ronald Wong.
Three individuals - Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation’s (SBC) sports journalist Patrick Hoareau, Seychelles Nation’s sports journalist Gerard Govinden and Gian Carlo Lauro – as well as the Seychelles Marketing Board, Land Marine company, Victoria Computer Services, Home Makers, Nouvobanq, Airtel, Vijay Construction, President’s Office and Skychef were given special awards in appreciation and recognition of their support and contribution to Seychelles football.
Barclays Bank (Seychelles), who signed a three-year sponsorship deal with the SFF at the start of the year to sponsor all local league competitions disputed by male and female teams, also received a certificate of appreciation.
Guests also had the chance to view a photo exhibition in the lobby of the ICCS and there were dance performances by dancers from the School of Dance, musical performances by DeZil, Elijah, Chicco, Raze, Fasty and Ion Kid.
It is worth noting that participants of the Caf zonal week-long course on grassroots football, held at the Maison Football, also received their certificates during the ceremony.
G. G.
Top Scorer Women’s League: Natacha Bibi (Olympia Coast)
Top Scorer Youth League: Aaron Jean (Foresters Youth)
Top Scorer Central League: Nichol Esther (Quincy FC)
Top Scorer Third Division League: Roy Julie (St Roch)
Top Scorer Second Division League: Andy Mougal (Plaisance)
Top Scorer First Division League: Philip Zialor (St Michel)
Referee Of The Year: Gonzague Boniface
Most Improved Referee: Walter Underwood
Young Male Footballer Of The Year: Michael Payet (St Francis)
Coach Of The Year For Women’s Football: Gerard Gamatis (Olympia Coast)
Coach Of The Year For Men’s football: Ralph Jean-Louis (St Michel)
Best Female Goalkeeper: Diane Lablache (Dolphins)
Best Male Goalkeeper: Nelson Sopha (St Michel)
Best Female Footballer: Natacha Bibi (Olympia Coast)
Best Male Footballer: Philip Zialor (St Michel, winner)
Best Male Footballer: Pascal Razakanantenaina (St Michel, runner-up)
Best Male Footballer: Collin Laporte (SMB, third place finisher)