Rovers FC’s U13 Elite Programme has firmly announced itself on the European stage, improving on last year’s 12th-place Madewis Cup finish by claiming 10th among some of the continent’s finest. Competing against powerhouses such as Juventus FC, Paris FC and SC Braga, Rovers stood toe-to-toe with each opponent—most notably pushing eventual finalists Paris FC to an intense 2–1 defeat only in the closing minutes.
Such performances are unprecedented for a Seychellois youth side. “To challenge and outplay these academies shows we’re already on par—if not beyond—many European standards,” said Head Coach Rupert Pool. “This generation has shattered expectations and proven that hard work, vision and structure can elevate Seychelles football to new heights.”
Alongside the Madewis fixtures, Rovers have faced 13 different professional clubs and academies—securing impressive victories over Nîmes Olympique, Marignane Gignac Côte Bleue, USA Clichy 92 and an English Junior Premier League Select XI to name a few. Each win underscored the gap Rovers have closed on established European systems in just four years of intensive development.
“This French tour is a statement,” added Pool. “From our tactical discipline to our physical resilience, we’re not here merely to participate—we’re here to compete and win.”
Academy Director Lucas Panayi remarked on the wider significance: “For a team from Seychelles to hold its own against elite youth sides is a monumental achievement. Our development model has been battle-tested on European soil, and the results speak for themselves. We owe a debt of gratitude to SFF Technical Director Osama Haroun, whose programmes, support and local groundwork have made these opportunities possible.”
Rovers’ French tour continues for another week, with daily matches and mini-tournaments scripted against at least a dozen more professional clubs and academies. Each fixture offers further proof that Seychelles’ next generation of footballers can match the best—cementing Rovers FC’s role as trailblazers for youth development in the Indian Ocean region.
