“UNITED WE STAND FOR THE LOVE OF THE BEAUTIFUL GAME!”
The news that the Sunshine and the St Louis football clubs have merged to form what could possibly be a championship winning side was well received by football fans in the country, especially fans from the central region.
The new club has been named Saint Louis Suns United. It is believed that Mr. Serge Rouillon the ex-Sunshine manager made the first move to bring together the two clubs from Victoria. The fans got a taste of what could be expected in the future from the new club last Saturday at Stad Popiler. In an exhibition match, featuring past players to launch the new club, fans got the opportunity to see a last match between the two past rivals.
Former stars like Alex Labiche, Marc Mathiot, Robert Morel, Vincent Dorasamy (‘Tolor’), Paul Khan, Willis Dufrene aka ‘Tibo’ were among the St Louis line-up. The Sunshine side featured Walter Loveday, Wix Cupidon, Joliff Bibi, and Vivian Bothe among other past football legends.
The fusion came about because of the harsh realities sports clubs have to endure financially and otherwise here in Seychelles. The move to merge the two clubs has brought together the cream of Seychelles football talent from Central Mahe. It is hoped that it will restore the power of St Louis football club as a team to be feared in the Indian Ocean and in Africa. Apparently, the coming together of the clubs, Sunshine and St Louis, has caused some trepidation and disbelief in certain quarters in football circles in the country.
It can be safely argued that success in football in the last few years in Seychelles has been the privilege of those with money to import players and coaches from abroad. It is also believed that the poaching of local talented players from less well-off teams by richer clubs has had an influence on the merger. Another reason given for the merger is that there is a need for greater manpower for management purposes and better administration to better cater for the players’ general needs and welfare.
If last Saturday’s launching of St Louis Suns United football club is anything to go by it appears that there is a new vigorous element in the local sporting world, one that will cause an important impact for its supporters and detractors alike. Most importantly, it must be a move that will survive the test of time and will restore the national pride and love of football in Seychelles. We wish St Louis Suns United all the success for the 2007 season.
