Rovers Elite programme sees 19 players selected for Fifa-funded 4-year scholarship in France  |14 February 2026

Displaying all the trophies won in France in 2025 (Photo: Contributed)

Nineteen of the 24 players selected to represent Seychelles in a prestigious Fifa-funded four-year scholarship programme in France are graduates of Rovers FC’s 2012/2013 Elite generation.

This week, the players departed for France to begin the next chapter of their football and academic development.

Over the past five years, since the age of eight, this group has progressed through a structured high-performance pathway built on intensive weekly training, competitive fixtures and sustained international exposure. The development model emphasised long-term progression – technically, tactically, physically and mentally – under clear standards and accountability.

In June last year, the young Rovers side spent a full month competing in France across multiple elite tournaments and matches against professional European academies. They secured numerous victories over established clubs and returned home with two tournament trophies, achieving a level of sustained success abroad that had never before been seen from a Seychellois team at any age level. These performances demonstrated unequivocally that this generation can compete directly with – and overcome – top European opposition.

In July 2025, many of these same players formed a major component of the 25-man Seychelles national team squad who recorded international victories over Comoros and Algeria. Delivering at elite club level in Europe and then contributing decisively within the national setup made it evident that a truly exceptional generation had emerged. The subsequent four-year Fifa scholarship programme represents both recognition of that achievement and a strategic investment in players who have already proven their international standard.

This achievement is a testament to the strength of the Rovers Elite Programme and the people driving it – particularly head coach Rupert Pool and academy director Lucas Panayi, whose long-term vision and daily commitment shaped this group from its earliest stages.

Rupert Pool, head coach said: “We began working with these boys at eight years old. At that stage, they were not viewed as the strongest in the country. Through five years of structure, discipline and relentless standards, they have progressed to a level that speaks for itself.”

Lucas Panayi, academy director said: “This generation confirms that when young players are given the right environment and international exposure, they can close the gap with established football nations. The pathway is delivering exactly what it was designed to deliver.”

As these players settle into life and training in France, Rovers will continue to monitor and support their progress closely.

The Rovers Elite Programme continues with the 2015/2016 generation, currently advancing through the same demanding pathway, with the ambition to match – and exceed –  the standards set before them. Parents of talented young players who aspire to elite football development are encouraged to get in touch and become part of the next generation raising the level of Seychelles football.

Contributed