Mission unaccomplished

The Stars of Africa Academy is well known for providing opportunities for elite-level young footballers to develop themselves and secure a positive future, and has, under the guidance of Farouk Khan, seen a number of its players go on to ply their trade both locally and Europe. Genino Palace is one of those. The 24-year-old has come a long way, as he spent four years in Portugal, before returning home to feature for Maritzburg United. The Midlands outfit may have suffered relegation at the end of last season, but his efforts did not go unnoticed, as Stellenbosch FC came calling with a longterm deal for the attacking midfielder. In this interview, Palace speaks to Soccer Laduma’s Walter Mabeba about the early days of his football career, how Khan moulded his game, Bafana Bafana ambitions, and more.

Walter Mabeba: Genino, please tell us where it all started for you…

Genino Palace: I was born and raised in Roodepoort (Davidsonville) and played for an amateur club called Liverpool FC, where I realised I had the love of the game. When I was in Grade 9, my family relocated to Westbury, where I continued to play. My twin brother, Levino, knew one of the coaches at Stars of Africa, and one day he asked him if we could come for trials. The coach responded with a ‘yes’. Unfortunately on the day we were supposed to go for trials, my twin brother fell ill and I had to go alone. I gave a good account of myself that day, and I was invited again for the next day for further assessment. After a few weeks, I was signed and joined Stars of Africa in 2014 at age 16. Unfortunately, my twin brother didn’t continue playing – I think he quit a year after I joined Stars of Africa. But he is very supportive of me. I spent three seasons at Stars of Africa, before c oach Farouk (Khan) felt that I was re ady to go for trials in Portugal. I first went to Braga, and was told that I was not ready, then I moved to Sacavenense. In 2018, I went back to Braga, where I made the grade, and later moved to Academica in 2020.

WM: How GP: Honestly speaking, It wasn’t easy to settle, but I think my move to Portugal was a positive stepping stone to my football career. I was also fortunate to have players such as Luther Singh, whom I met at Braga, and Patrick Maswanganyi, whom I played with at Academica. They played an important role in making sure that I settled in. I must say, after I settled, I really improved in terms of my football development. The first thing I noticed was the amount (of work) they put in at training sessions. We worked

was it in Portugal?

very hard! For instance, at times we’d come to training at 08h00 and leave at 14h00. We’d spend the whole day there, doing different drills in terms of improving our game and so forth. Having said that, it’s always been my dream as a youngster to play football overseas and having played for three teams was a dream come true for me. There is a good brand of football there. I survived because I know what my priorities are. I was there representing my family, my country and to make a name for myself. I always wanted to make football my job and I’m grateful that I’ve been able to see the world because of the Beautiful Game while also being able to provide for my family.

WM: Sure. GP:

To be quite honest, I think coach Farouk must be given the credit he deserves in nurturing talent. For me, he is one of the best I’ve worked with. When I arrived in Portugal, I got (introduced to) exercises which weren’t new to me, and I was like, “Wow, okay, I know about this, and I can do this! This is how he prepared us.” Everything he did was like a professional set-up. Wherever you move, you will be accustomed to the things that you are going to need there. He really has the knowledge of the game and that’s why he produced so many players. I also want to mention Maswanganyi, who is also one of coach Farouk’s graduates. He had an amazing start to the season with Orlando Pirates and helped the team to retain their MTN8, and I am very proud of him.

WM: So, why did you come back? GP:

Because I was playing in the U23s at Academica. I just felt that my game had grown and that I needed a chance to play in a higher league. I spoke to my agent and my family, and the club as well. They understood and supported me. However, before I made that move, my agent spoke to a

few clubs in South Africa, and Maritzburg United was one of them. But also in Portugal, there were clubs who were interested but were in the Third Division. Like I said, I wanted First Division experience and that is why I went to Maritzburg. What happened is I flew to Durban and Maritzburg United wanted me to train with them for two weeks, but it took them only four days to sign me under Ernst Middendorp.

WM: You went on to play regularly there.

GP:

It was an amazing feeling and also proof that hard work, determination and discipline pays. I was warmly welcomed by senior players who’d been in the PSL for a long time and that also helped me a lot in adapting to life in the PSL. Because of the competition in the team, at first the coach didn’t know in which position to play me because I’m versatile, but he ended up playing me in my favourite position of attacking midfield.

WM: Despite the club’s relegation, you earned a move to Stellenbosch FC. How did it happen?

GP:

A few weeks after we got relegated, I was with the national team at the COSAFA Cup tournament and my agent told me that there were a few teams that were after my services and that Stellenbosch FC was one of them. I told him we should go for Stellies. I had been following their progress and I liked the way they played. Their growth as a team can’t go unnoticed. They’ve been doing well in the PSL. I was also in camp with two of their players, Iqraam Rayners and Sibongiseni Mthethwa, who also told me how things were in their camp, and I became fascinated. I can say they also played a role in me joining Stellenbosch.

WM: This season you’ve only missed two games. Good progress.

WM:

Coming here, I didn’t expect to fit in as quickly as I’ve done because of the kind of players in the team and maybe I got used to the philosophy of the team quickly or adapted to the coach’s instruction, or I’m just a coachable player. But in football, you are only as good as your last game, and I will continue working hard and giving my all in everything I do. I’m not yet a perfect player.

WM: What’s it been like working with coach Steve Barker?

GP:

It has been great working with him. He is a very easy coach to please as long as you are doing your job correctly. He just wants his players to work hard and always give that extra mile in everything you do, whether at training or in a game situation. To add on that, I would like to thank the coach for the trust he has shown in me. He is like a father-figure and I will always give my all for him.

WM: The team recently lost Mthethwa to Kaizer Chiefs. How much of a blow is it?

GP:

Honestly speaking, it is a serious blow. He never missed a game since the season started and was a very important player for the team, not only on the pitch but outside of it as well. He was a leader in the team. He was a very hardworking player and put his life on the line for the team. But the coach has found a way on how he can fill up the void he left.

WM: You have two caps for Bafana Bafana. Surely you’d like to add more.

GP:

Yes. Firstly, I’d like to thank coach Morena Ramoreboli for giving me the opportunity to represent my country at national level. It is every player’s dream to play for the national team, but that does not come easy. I’ll have to work hard to achieve that. All in all, it was a new experience for me, another great moment in my football career and, like I said, I still have a lot to do to get recognised. But I am not chasing it. I have to be patient. I also have to stay true to the game and the game will reward me. One other thing is that I think I have a mission unaccomplished in Portugal, and I still harbour the intention of going back one day and maybe finishing my career overseas.

WM: Genino, thanks for your time, and all the best for the rest of the season.

GP: It is much appreciated, Sir, and I’m looking forward to reading my first interview.