Absa Seychelles signs two-year deal with Rovers FC |28 November 2020

Rovers FC chairman Kosta Todorovic (left) and Absa managing director Johan Van Schalkwyk during the signing ceremony

Absa Bank Seychelles and Rovers FC concluded a two-year partnership contract on Thursday November 26, 2020 with the aim of supporting the growth and development of the football club and youth academy, which is aimed at developing the mental and physical wellbeing of the club’s young players.

The partnership between the Fifa-accredited club and Absa Seychelles will also provide a complete pathway for aspiring young footballers to move from grassroots to professional football level, providing coaching certifications, granting opportunities to both players and coaches.

Speaking of the partnership signing ceremony, Absa managing director Johan Van Schalkwyk said Absa was particularly impressed with the club’s commitment to harnessing the power of technology, data and analytics to drive their ambitions. The academy’s comprehensive objective, data and statistics gathering on all players is compiled in a statistical database and app for tracking player development and performance and is the first football academy of its kind to make use of technology in this way.

“We are encouraged by real Africanacity success stories, always finding a way to get things done and the Rovers Football Club and Academy have displayed this through their big ambitions, making history and breaking barriers. Absa Seychelles’ partnership with the academy will hopefully help bring even more of the academy’s possibilities to life while giving back to the communities in which we operate,” said Mr Van Schalkwyk.

“Our aim is to try and revolutionise things and we have a long-term vision which requires continuity and commitment. We are thankful to Absa Seychelles for the support and look forward to sharing t-shirts gifted by the bank today with the team in time for Sunday’s match,” said Kosta Todorovic, chairman of the Rovers Football Club.

Also present at the signing event was Rovers FC vice- chairman and founder of Futuro Seychelles, Lucas Panayi, who operates the youth training academy, and the head of marketing and corporate relations at Absa Bank Seychelles, Amanda Bernstein.

“We believe that success is also based on commitment, commitment from the club, the academy and from us as their corporate sponsor. The private sector has a role to play in helping elevate the beautiful game in Seychelles to new heights, so we are honoured to be the first ever shirt sponsors of Rovers FC,” said Amanda Bernstein.

“Part of our commitment to being a force for good in our communities is also helping to provide safe spaces for keen young players to develop life qualities like discipline and commitment, which is why we were so impressed with the club’s efforts with young boys and girls from the age of 4 onwards and their daily training schedule.”

Absa group is also the African official banking partner of the English Premier League.

Press release from Absa Bank