"I'm reverting to childhood on the pitch," smiles Rachid, a 42-year-old player from the Morocco team.
Last week, the young people participated in their African Cup of Nations (CAN) neighborhoods.
This weekend, it's the turn of the over 35s to tease football.
Sixteen football teams representing different countries such as Mali, Angola, Tunisia, Israel, Senegal or France will compete this Sunday, July 3 on the occasion of the second edition of the CAN des Vétérans at the Nelson-Mandela complex. in Sarcelles.
“Sarcelles is the only city in France where a neighborhood CAN is organized for the over 35s, boasts Papis Keita, co-organizer.
But we know that some municipalities plan to copy us.
»
"Even at 60, you can participate"
This 40-year-old had the idea last year with his friend Ludovic Cakin to duplicate the neighborhood youth football tournaments by mounting this version for the older ones.
“We were watching their tournaments and we thought
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 are competing for the final this 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 you to
create it 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.
»
Teals.
Papis Keita and Ludovic Cakin had the idea of launching the CAN veterans in 2021.
Between the matches, music surrounds the supporters.
Some families scream cheerfully to support their loved one in the field.
Inflatable structures have been set up for the greatest pleasure of the little ones.
While waiting for some, their dads indulge in some footwork.
In any case, those over 35 do not skimp on their strengths.
The level seems good, in the general opinion of the public.
“Some professional players, like Rémi Mareval who played at FC Nantes, are integrated into teams”, reports Papis.
“CANs did not exist in our time”
Rachid enjoys 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 finds” good feelings “.
The very family audience also benefits.
Hadj came to watch the matches with his three sons.
"It's fine, there is 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 “does not have the level to join the field”.
"That's funny!
“, laughs his father by seeing” the friends play like pros “.
