Seychelles: Premier League Nations

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90 Minutes At A Time

·11 September 2020

Seychelles: Premier League Nations

Continuing our alphabetical world tour, next up is Seychelles. The smallest African nation by both population and area, Seychelles holds the record for the shortest amount of time played in the Premier League of any nation to have had at least one player make an appearance. According to the Premier League website, one player has represented Seychelles in the Premier League.

First (and only) Player – Kevin Betsy (Fulham; 2001-02)

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In the opening month of Fulham’s first Premier League season, reigning Champions Manchester United were pushed all the way in a 3-2 victory. In the 82nd minute, midfielder Kevin Betsy entered the field for Fulham.

The moment itself seemed relatively insignificant. Betsy was born and raised in England and had played in English football for his whole career. However, many years later, he accepted an invitation to play for Seychelles; as his father did before him, and that 10-minute cameo against Manchester United became the only occasion a Seychellois had appeared in the Premier League.

After an 18-year playing career, Betsy now works as an England youth team coach. He made his international debut in 2011, later helping Seychelles win Gold in the 2011 Indian Ocean Island Games.

Records

Most Appearances – Kevin Betsy (1)
First appearance – Kevin Betsy (Manchester United 3-2 FULHAM, August 19th 2001)
Most goals – None
First goal – N/A

Trivia

Kevin Betsy’s appearance (entered as a substitute on 82 minutes) was the shortest cameo by any nation in the history of the Premier League.
Seychelles have never won a World Cup qualifying match.
Kevin Betsy played for 12 different English clubs.