Suketu makes the grade

IN its May issue, the highly read 'World Soccer' magazine discerns several accolades to some of the key figures in the world of football (as most fans the world over calls it, the beautiful game). The cover is devoted to a survey of the '100 Movers and Shakers From Beckham to Blatter…football's most influential people'.

Our very own long standing SFF Chairman comes in at No. 69. Suketu Patel has undoubtedly been the architect of sound football management in our islands for more than a decade. His skills at planning have helped raise the level of football (with several programs under the auspices of FIFA). Starting off a little bit in the mould of Michel Platini (who comes in at No. 2 in the survey), Suketu earned an array of medals and cups for his clubs during his stint at competitive football.

Many will remember the days of the rivalry between Rangers and Rovers, with Suketu sharp between the goalposts. The nostalgia of the '80's is a sweet reminder of how the game was played in our country, with plenty of passion, for the love of the game. Patel would become an inspiration for several young athletes including his son who started off as a promising talent (again in goal!).

Suketu then moved on to things which he would prove to be even better at... Or some may say equal to his top goalkeeping. His reputation as a highly rated chartered accountant provided him with the acumen to steer the management and development of Seychelles football to new heights. After being re-elected several times as the head of the SFF, he set out to build a program of bringing the game to the masses. Kids were enrolled to set up a proper academy for the future stars of the Pirates Team.

Patel was able to forge some solid ties and enlist the support of some of the very (most influential) people who made the Nos. 1, 2 & 8 grades in 'World Soccer'. Besides Blatter and Platini, Suketu has a special friendship with Issa Hayatou who comes in at number 8. The Cameroonian who is the current CAF president has given his support to the achievements of the SFF and the success of Seychelles in holding several international tournaments.

Several pundits are of the view that Suketu has built himself a very commendable reputation in the CAF and FIFA circles and has the same player qualities of Platini to aim for bigger and better things at the service of the beautiful game.

Quote:

69: Suketu Patel Seychelles / Administrator

President of the Seychelles federation and a leading figure within the Confederation of African Football. In 2006, Patel beat former Zambia star Kalusha Bwalya to head COSAFA, the body that runs the game in southern Africa. Unquote

For those who wish to read the whole survey for the more famous names such as Beckham, Messi, Pele, Kaka, Maradona… check http://www.worldsoccer.com