Kaz Patafta: Why I signed for Melbourne Victory

Football in the Capital caught up with Australian under 17 and under 20 representative Kaz Patafta.

This was his first interview since returning to Australia from Portugese giants Benfica. Thanks for you support Kaz.

Let's clear one thing up: "Jorges Mendes is my manager, not my girlfriend." says Kaz Patafta.

Canberra footballer Kaz Patafta is back in Australia.

Patafta has signed a one-year loan deal with A-League Champions Melbourne Victory as he looks to further his career.

Patafta’s, who moved to Portugese giants Benfica last year straight from Radford College, has a further two years to go on his Benfica contract.

But for now he’s back in Australia and looking forward to joining up with his new team-mates on Monday as Victory fly put to play the Chinese National side in China.

“I’m looking forward to meeting the guys. It’ll be good to play with Leigh Broxham. I’m good mates with Leigh so I’m really looking forward to that.”

Leaving Canberra for European football is many players dream, but it can also have it’s drawbacks.

“I was living the dream really. I’d always wanted to play in Europe, so when I got the chance I jumped at it. I was training every day with guys like Rui Costa (ex-AC Milan) Nuno Gomes. They are amazing players. Watching what they could do with the ball in training was a fantastic learning experience.”

“I played in front of 20,000 in a Youth game between Benfica and Sporting Lisbon at the new Benfica stadium. (Stadium of Light).

“But it’s also hard being so far from home if things are tough. You don’t have your friends and family to talk to. You have the phone and internet but it’s not the same."

“I learnt a lot. Benfica wanted me to go on loan to a Portugese club where thy could keep an eye on me. But once they researched Melbourne and the quality of the A-League they were happy to let me come here. I’ll be able to send video’s so they can see how I’m going.”

Patafta was signed by chance. Victory Coach Ernie Merrick was watching Sydney play in the Asian Champions League. He got talking to a young woman, Patafta’s girlfriend and manager. From this chance meeting Patafta was signed.

Patafta laughs, “Yes it’s true about the chance meeting, but my girlfriend is not my manager. My manager is Jorges Mendes.”

The Canberran is in good company. Mendes is also manager of Portugese and Manchester United superstar Ronaldo.

The A-League has been criticised for not having enough games. In fact A-League player of the year Nicky Carle has just left for Turkish club, Genclerbirligi stating a lack of games as a reason for going.”

Patafta is aware of this but adds, “I want to improve as a player. Benfica wanted me to do pre-season with their first team, but I wanted to get more game time. To develop as a player I need to play in a positive environment. Melbourne has 24 A-League games plus at least 6 Asian Champions League. I also want to play for the Olyroos in their Olympic qualifiers. I was asked to join up for previous games, but Benfica wouldn’t release me. Being in Australia I will have more opportunity to play.”

“Playing for Australia is an amazing thrill. Captaining the Under 17’s at the World Cup in 2005 was the highlight of my career. It’s something I’m passionate about.”

Patafta played junior football for Belnorth.

“I used to play against (former Australian under 20 captain) Shaun Ontong. Belnorth v Belsouth. Shaun has just been signed by Adelaide United and that’s a great move for him.”

Canberran Ontong found it hard to get a club last season, despite being a former captain of the Australian Under 20 side.

“That was hard to take. As my captain at the Under 20’s and a great friend I wanted to see Shaun playing. He got some games with FC Sion in Switzerland but it’s great he’s at Adelaide for next season.

“Shaun is my best friend in football. We alwaystrained to gether at the Australian Institue of Sport. We use to run up Black Mountain together. We were always doing extra training.”

So when you Melbourne run out against Adelaide it will be like Belnorth v Belwest?

Patafta laughs, “Yes I suppose it will.”


Football in the Capital will have more from Victory's Kaz Patafta later in the week, including what he's heard about the Victory fans.

We'll also have updates from Victory's Patafta and Matthew Kemp during the season.

Follow Melbourne Victory, through Canberran eyes here on this blog, as they try to win the A-League back-to-back, and become the first Australian club to progress beyond the group stages of the Asian Champions League.