Football: Madewis Cup |07 June 2023

The Rovers under-10 team have finished sixth in the competition (Photo: Contributed)

Rovers U-10 ranked sixth overall

Rovers’ under-10 selection who took part in the Madewis Cup in France have managed to finish sixth overall, after rubbing shoulders against Europe’s top pro football academies.

The team travelled to France on May 29 to compete in the Super Final of the Madewis Cup, a prestigious football tournament in France that brings together more than 12,000 amateur players aged 6 to 13 years old.

At the competition which began on June 1, the young players of the Rovers academy were drawn in pool A alongside European top football academies, namely Olympique Lyonnais, AC Ajaccio, Marignane GCB, Rosiers OS and ES Trinité Lyon. 

Following their five group stage matches, Rovers garnered 12 points allowing them to play a classification match for either fifth or sixth place against US Creteil Lusitanos.

After a 0-0 draw, US Creteil Lusitanos were ranked fifth based on superior goal difference, while Rovers were ranked sixth overall.

Commenting on the tournament, Rovers president Kosta Todorovic said he is proud of the results of the young players, as well as the hard work the coaches put in during the preparations.

He said, even though the initiative was called off at the last minute by the Seychelles Football Federation, the trip was a huge opportunity for the young players to experience top level football and to continue their football development.

Mr Todorovic added that the boys were happy to play against top pro teams not just in France but from other European countries as well.

“We will take this experience and use it to keep the progress going,” said Mr Todorovic, who extended his thanks to all their sponsors who helped them along the way, making the trip a success.

 “I hope the boys have made them proud and that we will continue to receive their support,” concluded Mr Todorovic.

Neil Sirame