Football: World Cup and African Nations Cup 2010 qualifiers-My target is to score for Seychelles - Joubert |11 June 2008
But how did the 22-year-old who plays for Third Division side Fire Brigade get a shot at becoming the country’s number one striker?
It is his lethal finishing. A former player with Quincy FC, Joubert, who once gave up football
Can the firefighter quench the Pirates’ thirst for goals?
Meet the player, who wears shirt number 17, to understand the difference between playing a third division match and starring for the Pirates in World Cup and African Nations Cup 2010 qualifiers.
Sports Nation: The fact that you play third division football, were you expecting a call-up to the country’s national team?
Michel Joubert: No. It’s come as a surprise. I was being touted to be part of the country’s under-23 team, but until now I have not played for them. Playing for Seychelles’ senior team has come as a surprise.
Sports Nation: Has it been easy for you to cope with training and the pressure of national team football?
Michel Joubert: No. Not at all. The level of play is completely different. There is a big gap between third division football and that played by the national team. I am ambitious and want to play the game. So I have to learn and heed advice to become a better player.
Sports Nation: Up against powerful Tunisian defender Rhadi Jaïdi, who has played for Premier League sides Bolton Wanderers and Birmingham City, was it easy for you to try to unlock the Tunisian defence?
Michel Joubert: Nothing’s impossible in life. I tried my best to destabilise defender Rhadi Jaïdi and the rest of the Tunisian defence. As a young striker I have to keep training work and learn the tricks quickly to be more efficient in front of goal.
Sports Nation: The Pirates haven’t scored in two games and the onus is on you to hit the target?
Michel Joubert: I know. This is my next target. I am not making any promise but I’ll try my best to score at least a goal against Burkina Faso this coming Saturday.
Sports Nation: Do you think the Pirates can revive their chances by winning against undefeated Burkina Faso?
Michel Joubert: Like I said earlier, nothing’s impossible in football. We have to play our hearts out on Saturday. It will be good to get a win in front of our fans and I urge them to come and support us.
Sports Nation: Are you looking to move to a first or second division team now that you have starred for the Pirates?
Michel Joubert: I’m not in a hurry to move anywhere. I would like to stay with Fire Brigade. The ambiance is good on the team. It is not because I have played for the country’s national team and people are starting to know me that I should leave Fire Brigade for a bigger team.
Sports Nation: Were you in the stands last year when the Pirates played the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia in the African Nations Cup 2008 qualifiers?
Michel Joubert: Of course I was at Stad Linite to see the match. To be frank, I criticised some of the players and the team’s play. Last Saturday, it was my turn to get criticised, especially because I am not a household name player here. It does not affect me and my game. I come to play and I give my best. If I feel that I have given 100% I’m happy with myself.
Sports Nation: What is your impression of the team’s play?
Michel Joubert: I can’t make any comments on the team’s play under former coach Raoul Shungu because I was not part of the team. In my opinion, Dutch coach Jan Mak is doing a good job. He is a good tactician and he brings an effective playing style to the team. There is a big improvement in the team’s play.
Sports Nation: What is your target as a footballer?
Michel Joubert: I’ve always wanted to play for St Michel because I like their playing style. Although I still haven’t played for them, I have to switch my target to getting a goal for Seychelles…
G. G.