Football: Exclusive interview with Seychelles’ new international player, Carlos Simeon |23 June 2017

‘To represent my country is a very proud moment for me’

The Seychelles national team are expected to leave the country today for South Africa to compete at the 17th Council for Southern Africa Football Association (Cosafa) Cup. When Seychelles line up against Madagascar for their opening match on Monday, there will be a debutant among their ranks.

He is the latest foreign based player to be called up to represent the Seychelles national team, where he only recently signed for Portuguese first division side, Maritimo, playing for the under 19 side.

We now bring you an exclusive interview with the young man himself, Carlos Simeon.

Sports Nation: How are you feeling about representing your country for the first time?

Carlos Simeon: I am excited to represent my country. It is a very proud moment for me, as I have come a long way to be here where I am today. I’m just looking forward to it as it would be another challenge for me to be playing at international level for the first time.

Sports Nation: As a professional player, what do you feel you can offer?

Carlos Simeon: Playing at an important club like Maritimo teaches you the necessary skills to develop as a footballer and cope with the pressure of competition at a high level. I hope I can support my new team on the field and use those skills for the benefit of the team.

Sports Nation: Where were you playing before moving to Portugal?

Carlos Simeon: Before moving to Portugal I was playing football in England for numerous football teams. I was with Hendon football team playing in the under 16s to 18s and then I left. When I left I played for different teams and then I played for Tower Hamlet in a tournament in Portugal, against Maritimo and other teams. That was when they saw me and asked me to come and play for them. I was 17 at the time.

Sports Nation: At what age did you start playing football?

Carlos Simeon: I started playing at the age of 11 or 12, but I never took it seriously then. I never considered it as a first, as I was playing for Finchley Revolution at the time and then I moved to Alexandra Park which was Sunday league football. It was enjoyable. Then, after I moved to Hendon, that was when I decided to take things seriously as I got a lot of praise from the people around and the coach himself who taught me many things and gave me a lot of confidence to go forward and express myself.

Sports Nation: So, how is the Portuguese league?

Carlos Simeon: The Portuguese league is difficult. There are strong teams and there’s always competition which makes it good for the league. Very rough and heavy tackles come in all the time, but it is a league where you can quickly develop as a player and start noticing your game changing once you start playing.

Sports Nation: What position do you play on the pitch?

Carlos Simeon: Well I am a versatile player. I can play in most positions and I am happy to play anywhere to do a job for the team if it’s required of me, but I prefer a central role, whether it’s in defence or midfield. But I feel more comfortable when the game is in front of me.

Sports Nation: Before coming to Seychelles, did you ever get the chance to see any local sides play?

Carlos Simeon: I have only been in Seychelles for a day or so, therefore I have not had the chance to go and see any matches. But I hope somewhere along the lines I can see some matches and get an idea of the type of football played here. I will have to adapt to that.

Sports Nation: What do you think Seychelles can do to improve the level of football here?

Carlos Simeon: Perhaps bring in some foreign coaches with experience of developing players. Better facilities and equipment for training and also participating in tournaments like the Cosafa Cup will surely help improve the players and standards.

Sports Nation: Is there any club you support?

Carlos Simeon: Yes, I support Manchester United.

Sports Nation: Have you played for the Maritimo first team yet?

Carlos Simeon: No, not yet. I hope that in a couple of years’ time I could be ready and start pushing for a place in the first team, but for now I just want to keep improving physically and mentally and I just have to wait and see what happens, but I have to keep pushing myself to make that happen.

Sports Nation: What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Carlos Simeon: I would say my career highlight so far was to join two important teams in Hendon Football under 16s and under 18s, to just improve and train a lot harder than I was used to, then moving to Portugal to play for Maritimo under 19s, which gave me an opportunity to come and express myself. I was grateful for that and hopefully when I go back after the Cosafa Cup I can show a lot more to them.

Sports Nation: Who would you say is your inspiration?

Carlos Simeon: From a football perspective, I am inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo. He is a true professional who keeps himself fit and works hard. It’s not luck that he is the best in the world. My mum also inspires me to work hard and to achieve something in life.

Sports Nation: Thank you Carlos.