Professional Seychellois volleyball player Rodney Ah-Kong featured in the Coupe de France final as his club Nice faced Paris Volley in Paris.
Paris Volley won 30:28, 25:23, 24:26, 26:24 at the Adidas Arena in front of 8,000 spectators. Each set was decided by a narrow margin.
Ah-Kong, 38, is among the most experienced players in the Nice squad. This season Ah-Kong was not a regular in the starting line-up, but he remains an experienced presence in the team.
Ah-Kong has spent 13 seasons with Nice. He first joined the club at the age of 19. He said he quickly adapted to life in France, noting similarities with Seychelles. He added that he “fell in love with the city” and felt welcomed from the start. Throughout his professional career, Ah-Kong has also received individual recognition, including Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards in league matches.
During his career, he also spent six seasons at Rennes. He said the move helped him gain experience and understand a different environment. However, he maintained close ties with Nice and later returned to the club.
Ah-Kong said he now plays a different role within the team. He explained that he has “passed the baton” but continues to support younger players. He said he shares his experience and remains ready to contribute when called upon.
Speaking about the final, he said: “A final is one match. You have to leave everything on the court.”
Nice responded in the third set after losing the first two. Shay Liberman scored 26 points to reduce the deficit.
Paris secured the title in the fourth set through Vasili Molotkov, who scored the winning point.
Ah-Kong remains one of Seychelles’ most recognised volleyball players competing in Europe. He continues to play a role at club level while supporting the next generation within the team.