Abdel Sylla pays courtesy call on President Ramkalawan |22 July 2022

Sylla during his meeting with President Ramkalawan in the presence of Minister Zialor (Photo: Louis Toussaint)

Renowned Seychellois basketball player, Abdel Sylla, paid a courtesy call on President Wavel Ramkalawan yesterday at State House.

The 32-year-old, who plays professionally for Hermine Nantes in the French basketball league division two, was accompanied by the Minister for Youth, Sports and Family, Marie-Celine Zialor.

The basketball player stated that the aim of the visit was to discuss sports in general and give the president an update on his professional career.

“It was a very good meeting, we discussed mental strength, how to reinforce mental health for Seychellois athletes and how to ensure that the level of sport continues to elevate in Seychelles. We also discussed the upcoming Indian Ocean Islands Games next year,” he said.

Sylla said he gave the president an update on how his day functions as a professional player and the challenges a basketball player faces.

The player said sports in Seychelles needs to be reinforced in terms of discipline of players and work rate.

He further added that there are a lot of talented players in Seychelles however it needs to be incorporated with the discipline aspect, hard work and mental strength.

Sylla highlighted that there will be a lot of opportunities for sportsmen and women as he sees many young people getting the chance to try out for international teams.

“Before we speak of opportunity we must ensure that our athletes are ready and this is an everyday thing and you must ensure you are committed to work. When the opportunity presents itself you are prepared,” he emphasised.

The player noted that for his career path he will continue in the same direction as a professional player as this is the best job in the world for him.

Marla Simeon