The President of the Republic, Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan who is also the Patron of the Seychelles Football Federation received athletes of Seychelles' national football team at State House yesterday, after winning the Mahinda Rajapaksa Cup 2021 by defeating host Sri Lanka in the final.

In a ceremony, on behalf of the Government of Seychelles, the President thanked the Government of Sri Lanka for hosting the tournament. President Ramkalawan hailed the Seychellois athletes on their achievement and expressed how they have made Seychelles proud. He encouraged them to pursue further in the sport and extended his full support and that of his Government.

“I want to congratulate you on your achievements. You have given new impetus to sports here in Seychelles and have become an inspiration to our youths. Through perseverance, you have taken your training seriously and attained your objectives through discipline throughout your tournament and as a team, you have supported one another. This should be an example for others. I would also like to commend coach Vivian Bothe and all his assistants for leading the team, continue to encourage the players for further development,” said the President.

President Ramkalawan also urged the football teams in Seychelles to take their time and train Seychellois citizens so that they represent the country in the different key positions of football in the future.

The Minister of Youth, Sports, and Family, Mrs. Marie-Céline Zialor, also addressed the athletes as well, praising them for their dedication to the event and their ability to maintain discipline throughout.

Also present at State House were resident High Commissioner of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to Seychelles, Mr. Srimal Wickremasinghe, Seychelles Football Federation (SFF) president, Mr. Elvis, Chetty, and officials of the Seychelles' national football team.