The team from French Guiana was supposed to participate, but the conflict in the Middle East disrupted their plans. Adding to other complications, the prices of plane tickets skyrocketed and the overseas team was unable to travel to Marseille.
The team from the Seychelles seized the opportunity to take part in the famous U14 Burel tournament. On the agenda, three group matches against the Mediterranean League (0-0), AS Monaco (3-4), and OGC Nice (0-2).
Three years to prepare for the U17 World Cup in Qatar
At the initiative of Elvis Chetty, President of the Seychelles National Federation, and with the assistance and funding from FIFA, these 28 young team members have the chance to be supported by a competent staff and benefit from quality material and infrastructure.
Even though the main goal is to participate in the U17 World Cup in 2029, to be held in Qatar, there are many steps to climb beforehand.
Former professional footballer, Christian Delachet, now the goalkeeper coach of this selection, emphasizes the importance of the project. “The goal is to allow these boys to toughen up. On small fields, they play against each other and don’t have much opposition,” assures the one who wore the Olympian jersey between 1968 and 1971.
During these three years on the territory, the rhythm will be intense, both in terms of sports and education. The youth train every day, attend the Valabre agricultural high school – where they learn French in particular – and play friendly matches every weekend. In charge of the team since arriving in February, coach Kevin Serna draws a positive and realistic initial assessment: “Today, everything is going well and the youth are happy. We hope to go to Qatar, and even if we don’t succeed, we will have already experienced something beautiful.”
