Football - Rovers fly to Madagascar for friendly matches |05 January 2017

Women’s football team Rovers are in Madagascar on a friendly trip thanks to some generous sponsors.

Sporting new uniforms sponsored by Bernard Toulon, the team left yesterday morning on board a scheduled Air Seychelles flight.

The 24-member delegation comprises 22 players – Brina Rose, Florence Marie, Vanessa Agathine, Ginny Chang Peng Tive, Ethel Confiance, Pascalina Moustache, Kelfa Moustache, Shirley Jeannevol, Kathrina Nourrice, Natacha Bibi, Vesna César, Janella Moustache, Junna Philoé, Sendrica Mathiot, Alishia Matatiken, Cheryl Marie, Isabelle Vinda, Shannon Azemia, Stephanie Philoé, Kimberly Port Louis, Laura Barreau and Shanna Michel.

The team’s coach is Gerard Gonthier and Damien Jean is the manager.

Speaking to Sports NATION, manager Jean said he expects his team to play at least three matches – two against two clubs and the third against a Malagasy selection.

All matches are to be played in the capital Antananarivo and members of the delegation are also expected to take part in many social activities.

Manager Jean explained that he decided to look for sponsors to bring his players on an overseas trip after winning the league title last year.

“Local women’s teams don’t get any reward, like an overseas trip from the Seychelles Football Federation for winning the league title. This is why I looked for sponsorship to bring my team on this trip to Madagascar,” said manager Jean.

The sponsors are Elvis Chetty, Mauritius Commercial Bank, Seychelles Football Federation, Philip Sinon, Seychelles Breweries, Gran Kaz, Mohan Shopping Centre, ISPC, Mont Fleuri district administration, Seychelles Tourism Board, Malingam Shopping Centre, Steve Khambatta, Seychelles Trading Company, SAP Construction, Top Speed, Bernard Toulon, Minister Wallace Cosgrow, Roma Edmond, Giovanna Rousseau, Suketu Patel, Oceana Fisheries and Victoria-South Petrol Station.

Manager Jean has taken the opportunity to thank all sponsors who have helped in one way or another to make the trip possible.

The team are expected back on Friday January 13.