Santosh Albert has been ever present in the Rovers midfield since signing in 2019 and the 22 year old played an integral role in securing the title in his first year with the club.
In the same season Rovers would go on to secure a record-breaking semi-final matchup against Cote d’or FC in the SFF Cup. No 3rd division team had ever made it that far in the competition in the history of Seychelles football.
With the league title and promotion already sewn up Rovers began their preparation for the knockout match on Praslin. But just a few days before the game Santosh suffered a serious injury in training damaging his knee ligaments which would eventually keep him out of action for over a year.
Now fully recovered, we caught up with the talented midfielder to talk about missing football, getting fit again and what’s coming in the future.
You suffered a serious knee injury right at the end of the title winning 2019/20 season which kept you out of the SFF Cup semi final; the last game of the season. How was it having to watch your teammates finish such an important season without you?
For me life without football is like life without oxygen. My only true source of happiness was taken away from me in just one snap and everything was gone. All the glory, all the love, all the passion… gone. I wouldn’t want to see any of my teammates go through what I went through with that injury.
Your injury kept you out of action for over a year. How did you cope with that and what helped you get through that difficult time?
Faith kept me going. I didn’t give up on myself and I kept pushing myself each and every day. I also realised that I wasn’t alone on this journey. With the help of my team, friends and family I was able to conquer this challenge.
How is the knee now and are you ready for the coming season?
My knee is better than ever. A full recovery like nothing ever happened to it. I’ll be forever grateful to the almighty for that. I’m 100% ready for the coming season. I’m more than ready, I’m hungry. So beware the hungry dog!
Your former youth national teammate and childhood friend Nick Labiche has recently joined Rovers. Are you looking forward to linking up with him again on the field?
I’m really happy that Rovers managed to pull off Nick’s transfer. To see my brother joining us is one of the best things that could’ve happened. I’m looking forward to working alongside him.
Your last appearance for Rovers was in Championship 2 and now you are returning to the team in a new division. What are you most excited about this coming season in Championship 1?
It’s a new division with new challenges and some new adjustments to the team. We know it won’t be easy but we’re here to learn and adapt and fight for everything we can as a team.
And what are your personal targets?
Help my team as much as I can in winning everything we can. I’m still the same me with the same mindset and there’s no failure. We either win or we learn.
At only 22 years of age you are still a young player with many years of football ahead of you. Which areas of your game are you looking to improve and how?
Definitely my shooting because currently I’m more of a creator than a scorer. I think if I can improve in this area it would not only help in bringing my game to another level but it will also be a plus for my team.
What is a realistic target for Rovers this season?
Winning the championship is the goal and we must score it no matter what.