Seychelles national football team

Last updated

Seychelles
Nickname(s) The Pirates
Association Seychelles Football Federation (SFF)
Confederation CAF (Africa)
Sub-confederation COSAFA (Southern Africa)
Head coach Ralph Jean-Louis
Captain Benoit Marie
Most caps Benoit Marie (64)
Top scorer Philip Zialor (14)
Home stadium Stade Linité
FIFA code SEY
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First colours
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Second colours
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Third colours
FIFA ranking
Current 203 Steady2.svg (10 July 2025) [1]
Highest129 (October 2006)
Lowest203 (3 April 2025-)
First international
Flag of France.svg Réunion 2–0 Seychelles  Flag of Seychelles (1961-1976).svg
(Saint-Denis, Réunion; 13 February 1974)
Biggest win
Flag of Seychelles (1977-1996).svg  Seychelles 9–0 Maldives  Flag of Maldives.svg
(Saint-Pierre, Réunion; 27 August 1979)
Biggest defeat
Flag of Cote d'Ivoire.svg  Ivory Coast 9–0 Seychelles  Flag of Seychelles.svg
(Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire; 17 November 2023)
COSAFA Cup
Appearances14 (first in 2005 )
Best resultGroup stage (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024)

The Seychelles national football team, nicknamed the Pirates, represents Seychelles in international football and is controlled by the Seychelles Football Federation (SFF). SFF has been a member of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA since 1986. [2] The team's home stadium is the 10,000-capacity Stade Linité located in Roche Caiman in the outskirts of Victoria, the capital of Seychelles. [2]

Contents

History

Football was introduced to Seychelles in the 1930s. Its first official competition, the Challenge Cup, was organized in 1936. Then in 1941, a championship between five teams was set up with matches of 60 minutes, played barefoot. [3]

In 1969, the president of the Seychelles Football Federation wanted to set up a national team. Engaged on a voluntary basis, Adrian Fisher arrived on the island in September to reorganize Seychelles football. He equipped all the players with shoes, introduced contemporary training techniques and extended the match time to 90 minutes. The newly-formed national team played their first matches at a friendly tournament in Kenya in April 1970. In Seychelles' first matches played on a real football pitch, they drew 2–2 against Feisal F.C. then lost 1–2 to Mwengi at Mombasa Municipal Stadium. When Fisher left Seychelles in 1973, the team had played six games against four clubs.

Seychelles played their first match against another national team on March 13, 1974, against Réunion. In this friendly match, the Pirates lost 0–2. Two years later, this time as an independent nation, the Seychelles faced Réunion again, losing 1–4. In September 1977, they played their first match against a FIFA-affiliated team, Mauritius, during a tournament played in Réunion, and lost 1–2. The team enjoyed its first victory the following year by beating Réunion 1–0 at home.

Seychelles v Ethiopia at Stade Linite, 5 September 2015 Seychelles v Ethiopia 5 September 2015.jpg
Seychelles v Ethiopia at Stade Linité, 5 September 2015

In 1979, Seychelles played their first tournament, the 1979 Indian Ocean Games. They lost their first game 3–0 to Réunion, and beat Maldives 9–0 in their second. In the semi-final, they knocked out Mauritius 4–2 on penalties after a 1–1 draw, but in the final they lost 2–1 to Réunion.

Seychelles were eliminated from the group stage at the 1985 Indian Ocean Games but, on August 31, 1986, they played their first competitive match recognised by FIFA and CAF, following their affiliation with both organisations, a qualification match against Mauritius for the 1987 All-Africa Games, which they lost 1–2. They participated, for the first time, in the 1988 African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Mauritius but lost 1–3 over the two legs.

At the 1990 Indian Ocean Games, the team suffered the heaviest defeat in its history against Madagascar in the semi-final, losing 0–6. In the bronze medal match, they won against Comoros 3–1. Despite hosting the following games, the team failed to repeat this performance, losing all four games and finishing last in the competition.

After the elimination from the preliminary phase of the 1996 African Cup of Nations by Mauritius 2–1 over the two legs, Vojo Gardašević was hired to lead the team. Following that, the Pirates again finished third in the 1998 Indian Ocean Games and, two years later, competed in the World Cup qualifiers for the first time. Playing against Namibia they drew 1–1 in Stade Linité, thanks to a goal by Philip Zialor but lost the second leg 0–3. Seychelles were also eliminated in the preliminary round of the 2000 African Cup of Nations by Zimbabwe 0–6 over the two matches. Seychelles fared better in the qualification for the 2004 African Cup of Nations as the team, led by Dominique Bathenay then Michael Nees, finished third and recorded two prestigious home wins: beating Eritrea 1–0 with a goal by veteran Roddy Victor, and beating a Peter Ndlovu-led Zimbabwe team 2–1 with goals by strikers Alpha Baldé and Philip Zialor. Following that they achieved a bronze medal at the 2003 Indian Ocean Games, then were eliminated in the preliminary round of the 2006 World Cup by Zambia, 1–5 in the two games.

In 2011, Seychelles hosted the 2011 Indian Ocean Island Games and won the tournament for the first time, beating Mauritius in the final on penalties. [4] [5]

The rest of the 2010s saw little success for The Pirates with the high point achieved during 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualification where they managed a 2–0 win over Lesotho and a 1–1 draw with Ethiopia to finish third in their four-team group.[ citation needed ]

FIFA Goal programme

In 2006, a new technical centre in Mahé was opened, with help from the FIFA Goal programme. [6] The project had a total cost of approximately 750,000 USD. James Michel, president of the Seychelles, was present at the inauguration. The technical centre houses the SFF headquarters, an auditorium, 20 bedrooms, two massage rooms, changing rooms and a restaurant. The centre is located next to the turf pitches that were also installed by the Goal programme in 2003. [7] [8]

Results and fixtures

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

  Win  Draw  Loss  Fixture

2024

8 June 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Gambia  Flag of The Gambia.svg5–1Flag of Seychelles.svg  Seychelles Berkane, Morocco
17:00  UTC+1
Report Stadium: Berkane Municipal Stadium
Attendance: 700
Referee: Joseph Odey Ogabor (Nigeria)
11 June 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Seychelles  Flag of Seychelles.svg1–3Flag of Burundi.svg  Burundi Berkane, Morocco
20:00  UTC+1
Report
Stadium: Berkane Municipal Stadium
Referee: Mohamed Ali Moussa (Niger)
28 June 2024 COSAFA Cup Lesotho  Flag of Lesotho.svg1–1Flag of Seychelles.svg  Seychelles Gqeberha, South Africa
15:00  UTC+2 Report
Stadium: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
1 July 2024 COSAFA Cup Angola  Flag of Angola.svg3–2Flag of Seychelles.svg  Seychelles Gqeberha, South Africa
12:00  UTC+2
Report Stadium: Isaac Wolfson Stadium
3 July 2024 COSAFA Cup Namibia  Flag of Namibia.svg3–1Flag of Seychelles.svg  Seychelles Gqeberha, South Africa
15:00  UTC+2
Report Stadium: Isaac Wolfson Stadium

2025

20 March 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Gabon  Flag of Gabon.svg3–0Flag of Seychelles.svg  Seychelles Franceville, Gabon
20:00  UTC+1
Report Stadium: Stade de Franceville
Referee: Mehrez Melki (Tunisia)
25 March 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Burundi  Flag of Burundi.svg5–0Flag of Seychelles.svg  Seychelles Meknes, Morocco
20:00  UTC+1 Report Stadium: Honneur Stadium
Referee: Youcef Gamouh (Algeria)
3 September 2025 (2025-09-03) 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Seychelles  Flag of Seychelles.svg0–4Flag of Gabon.svg  Gabon Saint Pierre, Mauritius
17:00  UTC+4 Report (FIFA)
Report (CAF)
Stadium: Côte d'Or National Sports Complex
Referee: Jean Ouattara (Burkina Faso)

Coaches

Caretaker managers are listed in italics.

Management and staff

PositionName
Head Coach Flag of Seychelles.svg Ralph Jean-Louis (caretaker)
Assistant Coaches Flag of Seychelles.svg Ernest Vivien
Flag of Seychelles.svg Lesley Guichard
Goalkeeping Coach Flag of Seychelles.svg Frantz Boulle
Fitness Coach Flag of Seychelles.svg James Fontaine
Match Analyst Flag of Seychelles.svg Alexis Lafleur
Doctors Flag of Seychelles.svg Dr. Daniel François
Flag of Seychelles.svg Dr. Justine Valmont
Physiotherapists Flag of Seychelles.svg Michael Payet
Flag of Seychelles.svg Jules Hervé
Flag of Seychelles.svg Richard Lemoine
Flag of Seychelles.svg Thomas Hoareau
Team Coordinator Flag of Seychelles.svg Gavin Jeanne
Technical Director Flag of Seychelles.svg Vivian Bothe

Players

Current squad

The following players were selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification – CAF Group F matches against Gabon and Kenya on 3 and 9 September 2025. [9]

Caps and goals correct as of 25 March 2025, after the match against Burundi.

No.Pos.PlayerDate of birth (age)CapsGoalsClub
11 GK Carlos Simeon (1998-10-29) 29 October 1998 (age 26)50 Flag of Seychelles.svg Anse Réunion
181 GK Romeo Padayachy (1993-02-18) 18 February 1993 (age 32)40 Flag of Seychelles.svg Light Stars
1 GK Ian Ah-Kong (1995-11-02) 2 November 1995 (age 29)190 Flag of Seychelles.svg Anse Réunion

22 DF Justin Riaze (2002-11-14) 14 November 2002 (age 22)10 Flag of Seychelles.svg Saint Louis Suns United
32 DF Makhan Bristol-Cissoko (2006-06-26) 26 June 2006 (age 19)80 Flag of Seychelles.svg Foresters Mont Fleuri
42 DF Alfie Walters (2002-09-01) 1 September 2002 (age 23)20 Flag of England.svg Metropolitan Police
52 DF Don Fanchette (1997-12-03) 3 December 1997 (age 27)310 Flag of Seychelles.svg La Passe
122 DF Warren Mellie (1994-10-01) 1 October 1994 (age 30)403 Flag of Seychelles.svg Foresters Mont Fleuri
2 DF Markus Payet (2005-06-13) 13 June 2005 (age 20)90 Flag of Seychelles.svg La Passe

83 MF Lorenzo Hoareau (2007-06-01) 1 June 2007 (age 18)93 Flag of Seychelles.svg Anse Réunion
103 MF Dean Mothe (2000-08-01) 1 August 2000 (age 25)250 Flag of Seychelles.svg Saint Louis Suns United
143 MF Anil Dijoux (2006-07-20) 20 July 2006 (age 19)40 Flag of Seychelles.svg Anse Réunion
163 MF Josip Ravignia (2001-01-19) 19 January 2001 (age 24)200 Flag of Seychelles.svg St Michel United
173 MF Ryan Henriette (2001-01-23) 23 January 2001 (age 24)222 Flag of Seychelles.svg Anse Réunion
203 MF Imra Raheriniaina (2004-11-19) 19 November 2004 (age 20)110 Flag of Seychelles.svg Saint Louis Suns United
213 MF Vince Fred (2005-10-16) 16 October 2005 (age 19)40 Flag of Seychelles.svg Light Stars
3 MF Elie Sopha (2004-11-03) 3 November 2004 (age 20)120 Flag of Seychelles.svg St Michel United

64 FW Anelka Adela00 Flag of Seychelles.svg Bel Air
74 FW Brandon Labrosse (1999-03-11) 11 March 1999 (age 26)324 Flag of Seychelles.svg Foresters Mont Fleuri
94 FW Jerone Joubert20 Flag of Seychelles.svg Light Stars
114 FW Tyrone Cadeau (2004-06-14) 14 June 2004 (age 21)70 Flag of England.svg Newcastle Town
134 FW Samuel Okolie 00 Flag of England.svg Cambridge United
154 FW Torry Radegonde00 Flag of Seychelles.svg La Passe

Player records

As of 3 July 2024 [10]
Players in bold are still active with Seychelles.

Most appearances

RankNameCapsGoalsCareer
1 Benoit Marie 6402013–present
2 Gervais Waye-Hive 5162012–present
3 Colin Esther 4522008–2022
4 Eric Nelson Sopha 4401996–2012
5 Jones Joubert 4302006–2019
6 Warren Mellie 4032017–present
7 Achille Henriette 3962006–2016
8 Henny Dufresne  [ it ]3312002–2014
Philip Zialor 33141998–2009
10 Yannick Manoo  [ it ]3212013–2022

Top goalscorers

RankNameGoalsCapsRatioCareer
1 Philip Zialor 14330.421998–2009
2 Alpha Baldé  [ it ]6200.31996–2011
Achille Henriette 6390.152006–2016
Gervais Waye-Hive 6510.122012–present
5 Perry Monnaie 4170.242018–2020
Don Annacoura  [ it ]4270.152000–2011
Brandon Labrosse 4300.132019–present
8 Lorenzo Hoareau 370.432021–present
Ralph Jean-Louis 3100.31993–2000
Wilnes Brutus  [ it ]3120.252002–2011
Leroy Coralie  [ es ]3170.182016–2022
Yelvanny Rose 3180.172002–2007
Nelson Laurence 3250.122008–2018
Godfrey Denis Armel 3290.11998–2008
Warren Mellie 3400.082017–present

Competition records

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup Qualification
YearRoundPositionPldWD*LGFGAPldWDLGFGA
1930 to 1974 Part of Flag of the United Kingdom.svg United Kingdom Part of Flag of the United Kingdom.svg United Kingdom
1978 to 1986 Not a FIFA memberNot a FIFA member
1990 to 1998 Did not enterDid not enter
Flag of South Korea (1997-2011).svg Flag of Japan.svg 2002 Did not qualify201114
Flag of Germany.svg 2006 201115
Flag of South Africa.svg 2010 6006417
Flag of Brazil.svg 2014 200207
Flag of Russia.svg 2018 200203
Flag of Qatar.svg 2022 2002010
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Flag of Mexico.svg Flag of the United States.svg 2026 8008239
Flag of Morocco.svg Flag of Portugal (official).svg Flag of Spain.svg 2030 To be determinedTo be determined
Flag of Saudi Arabia.svg 2034
Total0/9240222885

Africa Cup of Nations

Africa Cup of Nations record Africa Cup of Nations Qualification record
YearRoundPositionPldWD*LGFGAPldWDLGFGA
Flag of Sudan (1956-1970).svg 1957 to Flag of Ethiopia (1975-1987).svg 1976 Part of Flag of the United Kingdom.svg United Kingdom Part of Flag of the United Kingdom.svg United Kingdom
Flag of Ghana.svg 1978 to Flag of Egypt.svg 1986 Not affiliated to CAFNot affiliated to CAF
Flag of Morocco.svg 1988 Did not enterDid not enter
Flag of Algeria.svg 1990 Did not qualify210113
Flag of Senegal.svg 1992 WithdrewWithdrew
Flag of Tunisia (1959-1999).svg 1994 Did not enterDid not enter
Flag of South Africa.svg 1996 WithdrewWithdrew
Flag of Burkina Faso.svg 1998 Did not qualify201112
Flag of Ghana.svg Flag of Nigeria.svg 2000 Did not enterDid not enter
Flag of Mali.svg 2002
Flag of Tunisia.svg 2004 Did not qualify6204410
Flag of Egypt.svg 2006 201115
Flag of Ghana.svg 2008 6114314
Flag of Angola.svg 2010 6006417
Flag of Equatorial Guinea.svg Flag of Gabon.svg 2012 Did not enterDid not enter
Flag of South Africa.svg 2013 Did not qualify200207
Flag of Equatorial Guinea.svg 2015 WithdrewWithdrew
Flag of Gabon.svg 2017 Did not qualify6114511
Flag of Egypt.svg 2019 6015325
Flag of Cameroon.svg 2021 200213
Flag of Cote d'Ivoire.svg 2023 201113
Flag of Morocco.svg 2025 ExcludedExcluded
Flag of Kenya.svg Flag of Tanzania.svg Flag of Uganda.svg 2027 To be determinedTo be determined
Flag placeholder.svg 2029
Total0/3542563124100

Indian Ocean Island Games

Indian Ocean Island Games record
YearRoundPositionPldWD*LGFGA
Flag of France.svg 1979 Runners-up2nd4112116
Flag of Mauritius.svg 1985 Group stage6th200214
Flag of Madagascar.svg 1990 Third place3rd310239
Flag of Seychelles (1977-1996).svg 1993 Fourth place4th4004312
Flag of France.svg 1998 Third place3rd4202910
Flag of Mauritius.svg 2003 Third place3rd412136
Flag of Madagascar.svg 2007 Group stage5th210124
Flag of Seychelles.svg 2011 Champions1st5320104
Flag of France.svg 2015 Group stage5th310243
Flag of Mauritius.svg 2019 Fourth place4th402228
Flag of Madagascar.svg 2023 Group Stage6th200202
Total1 Title11/1136107204868

CECAFA Cup

COSAFA Cup

Year COSAFA Cup
RoundResultMWDLGFGA
2000 Excluded
2001
2002 Did not enter
2003
2004
2005 Round 111th100103
2006 Round 17th201113
2007 Round 113th200207
Flag of South Africa.svg 2008 Group stage11th311182
Flag of Zimbabwe.svg 2009 Group stage13th300326
Flag of Zambia.svg 2013 Group stage13th200228
Flag of South Africa.svg 2015 Group stage13th301202
Flag of Namibia.svg 2016 Group stage14th3003010
Flag of South Africa.svg 2017 Group stage14th3003110
Flag of South Africa.svg 2018 Group stage12th302123
Flag of South Africa.svg 2019 Group stage13th301206
Flag of South Africa.svg 2021 Did not enter
Flag of South Africa.svg 2022 Group Stage13th300316
Flag of South Africa.svg 2023 Group Stage12th300329
TotalGroup stage11/193416271975

Head-to-head record

As of 9 September 2025 [11]

FIFA members

Opponent
Pld
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Flag of Algeria.svg  Algeria 200206–6
Flag of Angola.svg  Angola 200226–4
Flag of Bangladesh.svg  Bangladesh 3111220
Flag of Botswana.svg  Botswana 200203–3
Flag of Burkina Faso.svg  Burkina Faso 200237–4
Flag of Burundi.svg  Burundi 7007322–19
Flag of the Comoros.svg  Comoros 93241216–4
Flag of the Republic of the Congo.svg  Congo 1010110
Flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.svg  DR Congo 200207–7
Flag of Eritrea.svg  Eritrea 310212–1
Flag of Eswatini.svg  Eswatini 401317–6
Flag of Ethiopia.svg  Ethiopia 201123–1
Flag of Gabon.svg  Gabon 200207–7
Flag of The Gambia.svg  Gambia 100115–4
Flag of Cote d'Ivoire.svg  Ivory Coast 100109–9
Flag of Kenya.svg  Kenya 7016226–24
Flag of Lesotho.svg  Lesotho 512256–1
Flag of Libya.svg  Libya 2002213–11
Flag of Madagascar.svg  Madagascar 13049628–22
Flag of Malawi.svg  Malawi 200205–5
Flag of Maldives.svg  Maldives 84132110+11
Flag of Mali.svg  Mali 200205–5
Flag of Mauritius.svg  Mauritius 3168173251–19
Flag of Mozambique.svg  Mozambique 401326–4
Flag of Namibia.svg  Namibia 7034515–10
Flag of Nigeria.svg  Nigeria 200216–5
Flag of Palestine.svg  Palestine 100101–1
Flag of Rwanda.svg  Rwanda 2002010–10
Flag of San Marino.svg  San Marino 1010000
Flag of Sierra Leone.svg  Sierra Leone 100102–2
Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa 301209–9
Flag of South Sudan.svg  South Sudan 200213–2
Flag of Sri Lanka.svg  Sri Lanka 421185+3
Flag of Sudan.svg  Sudan 200205–5
Flag of Tanzania.svg  Tanzania 211032+1
Flag of Tunisia.svg  Tunisia 4004014–14
Flag of Uganda.svg  Uganda 300328–6
Flag of Zambia.svg  Zambia 4013311–8
Flag of Zimbabwe.svg  Zimbabwe 7106322–19
Total1632031111124366–242

Non FIFA members

Opponent
Pld
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Flag of Mayotte (Local).svg  Mayotte 310235–2
Proposed flag of Reunion (VAR).svg  Réunion 162113933–24
Total1931151238–26

Honours

Regional

Friendly

References

  1. "The FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking". FIFA. 10 July 2025. Retrieved 10 July 2025.
  2. 1 2 "Sport in The Seychelles". topendsports.com. Archived from the original on 21 January 2022. Retrieved 29 May 2020.
  3. "History Of Seychelles Football & Federation". Cerf Resort. Archived from the original on 13 August 2016. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  4. FIFA.com (27 August 2020). "Spectacular Seychelles' footballing passion". Archived from the original on 25 September 2020. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  5. FIFA.com (1 September 2011). "Seychelles making historic waves" . Retrieved 25 September 2020.[ dead link ]
  6. "Seychelles FIFA Goal Project" (PDF). FIFA.com. 21 April 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 March 2018. Retrieved 24 September 2020.
  7. "Seychelles Football Federation & history". www.cerf-resort.com. Archived from the original on 13 August 2016. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  8. "Goal Project 2-Seychelles' football house inaugurated". Seychelles Nation . 16 February 2006. Archived from the original on 21 November 2021. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  9. "FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers are coming". Facebook. Seychelles Football Federation. 28 August 2025. Retrieved 28 August 2025.
  10. "Seychelles". National Football Teams. Archived from the original on 8 July 2023. Retrieved 14 April 2023.
  11. "World Football Elo Ratings: Seychelles". Eloratings.net. 4 May 2023. Archived from the original on 21 September 2022. Retrieved 4 May 2023.