At 9:45 p.m. this Sunday, the veterans of the Morocco team won 3-2 against the Democratic Republic of Congo. Like the young people who participated last week in their neighborhood African Cup of Nations (CAN), this weekend, it was the turn of the over 35s to tease the round ball. Sixteen football teams representing different countries such as Angola, Senegal, Israel or France competed during the second edition of the CAN des Vétérans in Sarcelles. The only one in France which only brings together players over 35 years old. “But we know that some municipalities plan to copy us,” boasts Papis Keita, co-organizer.
“Overall, the level was better than last year. Morocco was a very good, enduring and technical team. They have very good players, comments Ludovic Cakin, co-organizer, to the cries of the public who have just learned the name of the winning country. We had more people than for the first edition. It was great ! »
“Even at 60, you can participate”
The two organizers had the idea last year to duplicate the neighborhood youth football tournaments by setting up this version for the older ones. “We were watching their tournaments and we said to ourselves why not us ? We also still have good footwork! jokes Papis Keïta. “As long as a player can still run, it’s good. Even at 60, you can participate”, completes Ludovic Cakin, co-organizer, laughing.
In all, sixteen teams competed for the final on Sunday. “We were forced to refuse teams because we received so many requests,” notes Ludovic. The organizers have even tried to set up a Ukrainian team this year. But for lack of a sufficient number of players, they had to give it up. Instead, a stand was set up for them.
“Sarcelles is a very cosmopolitan city. It’s rare to have so many communities in the same municipality. This type of event allows the create together. Because living it together is already a fact. But wanting to create with different nationalities and religions is a choice, says Papis Keita. This is what reflects the wealth of Sarcelles. »
Next to the field, a sound system surrounds the supporters. Those over 35 did not skimp on their strengths. The level was good, in the general opinion of the public. “Some professional players, like Rémi Mareval who played at FC Nantes, have been integrated into teams,” reports Papis.
“CANs did not exist in our time”
Rachid enjoyed teasing the ball in the Morocco team. This changes him from the “routine”. During the week, this forty-something works as a tobacconist. “Some teammates came early this morning before their work, he observes. CANs did not exist in our time. We played inter-district matches but it was different. »
Smiling, he admits that “it made him want to see the young people play at their CAN”: “Once, we had just said among friends that it would have been good to have one of our own. Especially since we all played football as kids. “Today, this father has found” good feelings “.
The very family audience also benefits. Hadj came to watch the matches with his three sons. “It’s fine, there was a good level”, judges Mehdi, 10 years old, as a connoisseur. This supporter of the Tunisian team makes fun of his father by saying that he “did not have the level to join the field”. “That’s funny! “, laughs his father who admires “his friends play like pros”.
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