Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker has opened up about the acquisitions of midfielder Genino Palace and Gambian youth international Salifu Colley ahead of the upcoming season.
Stellies confirmed the signing of the 24-year-old footballer on Tuesday, 1 August 2023.
Palace joins the Cape Winelands club on a permanent transfer from Maritzburg United. The star player spent the last season-and-a-half at the ‘Blue Army’.
Last campaign, the talented midfielder was very instrumental for the Team of Choice, as he featured in 32 games across all competitions and contributed one goal in the process.
However, his hard work was not enough to help Maritzburg to survive the chop in the SA top flight.
STELLENBOSCH FC OFFICIAL STATEMENT
“We are delighted to announce that the club has acquired the services of Genino Palace on a permanent transfer from Maritzburg United,” reads the club’s statement.
Palace also represented the reserve sides of Académica de Coimbra, SC Braga, and Sacavenense in Portugal.
To put a cherry on top, Palace was part of the Bafana Bafana squad that participated in the 2023 COSAFA Cup.
STEVE BARKER ON MARQUEE SIGNING GENINO PALACE
Barker has since revealed the reason why they decided to sign Palace ahead of the new DStv Premiership campaign.
“We are delighted with the signing of Genino Palace,” said Barker.
“He’s a very energetic and exciting midfielder who we had monitored throughout last season.
“He adds a lot of value to our team as a box-to-box midfielder who can add to both our defence and our attack.”
The 55-year-old mentor continued: “He’s very athletic and a technically good footballer, who we are very pleased to have added to our ranks.”
STELLENBOSCH SIGN GAMBIAN YOUTH INTERNATIONAL
The club also announced the signing of Gambian youth international Salifu Colley on a long-term deal.
“Salifu is a young and talented footballer who has done exceptionally well in the last year. He excelled at the U20 World Cup and U20 AFCON,” he added.
“He’s a very exciting talent. We are very pleased to have brought him on board. This is an opportunity to help him develop and reach his full potential.”
Stellenbosch will commence the new season against Soweto giants Orlando Pirates, on Saturday, 5 August 2023.
The game will kick off at 20:00 at Danie Craven Stadium.
RELATED STORY: Discarded Orlando Pirates attacker resurfaces at Stellenbosch FC
