President James Michel received the Football Development Executive of Premier League club Manchester City, Mr. Patrick Vieira, this afternoon as State House.
Mr. Vieira is currently in the country to lead a series of soccer clinics for young Seychellois athletes who wish to further develop their talents in this sport.
President Michel welcomed him to the Seychelles and conveyed his appreciation and gratitude for coming here.
“I am happy that you will be meeting the young footballers to further motivate them to excel in that sport as well as keeping them away from bad behaviour. The strategic partnership between Etihad Airways and Air Seychelles has brought a new dimension to the football in Seychelles,” said President Michel.
They discussed the 10-year partnership which was signed by Etihad Airways, Air Seychelles’ equity alliance and Manchester City football Club (MCFC), the good platform that Etihad Airways, Air Seychelles and Seychelles Football Federation (SFF) are forming in football that will help the youth to become better footballers. They spoke about the positive role that football and other sports create in order to promote new values for the Social Renaissance programme.
The President also congratulated Mr. Vieira for being nominated as the Goodwill Ambassador of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
“Football is a big part of our society and part of our education. I am glad to be here representing Manchester City football Club with the help of our sponsor Etihad Airways and Air Seychelles, bringing the experience that we have for the young kids, I think it’s fantastic,” said Mr. Vieira.
The President also held a meeting with the new SFF Chairman, Mr. Elvis Chetty, who presented the President with the SFF Strategic Plan for the year and also briefed him on future projects for football development in Seychelles.
The President thanked SFF for developing such positive and concrete plans for football in Seychelles and said that he appreciated the work it is doing, in good collaboration with the Government.
Editor’s Note:
· Also present during both meetings was the Designated Minister Vincent Meriton, representing the Sports sponsorship Department of Etihad, Mr. David Cook, Principal Secretary for Community Development and Sports, Mr Denis Rose, Chief Executive Officer for the National Sports Councils, Alain Volcere, Head of Marketing/Commercial for the Air Seychelles, Mrs. Sabrina Agathine and the Secretary General for Seychelles Football Federation, Mr. Jemmy Adela.
· Mr. Elvis Chetty is the fourth chairman to be elected after Joel De Commarmond (2012), Suketu Patel (1980-1991 – 1994-2011) and Finley Racombo (1991-1994).
· In a remarkable playing career spanning 18 years, Patrick Vieira won numerous domestic championships in both England and Italy, as well as the World Cup with France in 1998 and the European Championship two years later. He retired from the game in July 2011 to take on a wide ranging role with MCFC which includes work with the Academy, scouting and community departments.