By HUBERT VAZ
Eighteen-year-old Suhayb al Kharusi is one of the promising stars on the horizon of Oman’s football future, currently shaping up in the stable of Genoa FC – Italy’s oldest football club. “Suhayb is a fighter,” says the ‘big boss’ of Genoa FC – Andres Blazquez, CEO
For most Omani youth, football is not a religion…it is a cult. And if many revere football legends from around the world, a large number also harbour the hope of someday being one among those who command much love and admiration from the masses.
For 18-year-old Suhayb al Kharusi, a talented lad from Muscat, a dream to that effect has already begun taking shape. Beginning his journey at the age of just 11 in Italy, his unwavering passion for football propelled him through illustrious institutions over the past seven years.
From refining his skills at Arsenal’s renowned academy to showcasing his prowess at Lumbardia Uno and Athletic Club Milano, Suhayb’s trajectory has been meteoric. Recongised by Serie C’s Virus Entella, his relentless drive didn’t stop there – today, he stands with the elite at Genoa FC in Serie A.
“Suhayb is a fighter,” says Andres Blazquez, CEO, Genoa FC – who took on the reins of this prestigious club and brought in not just sound management strategies but also financial stability and greater international acclaim over the past few years – on a zoom chat. “Suhayb is a very dedicated young boy. He may not be the same size as other players but he has that fighting spirit and is well integrated in the academy. That is very important – we don’t just bring people because they are here.”
The focus of the club has been on procuring and nurturing deserving talent and it doesn’t matter if that talent is from within Italy or beyond its shores, he said, asserting that the club believes in keeping its doors always open to outstanding talent. And the decision to look towards the middle east, the gulf region, especially Oman, has been reinforced over the past couple of decades when promising players did emerge from this part of the world, he observed.
“We have room for promising talent. I have been to Oman thrice and I did have a discussion with the Minister of Sports on my first visit, also with the federation, and there is room to do better,” he said, adding, “Suhayb has been training with us for around 4 years and he is working on developing his skills. He went through a strict selection process and took up strict training before going into fulltime football.
Asked about forging a long-term association with Oman, Blazquez pointed out that talent is found everywhere, especially in Morocco and other African countries, where we had to invest in a systematic approach to take things forward, in terms of training on the field, academic training, etc. However, Oman is a more modern country and developing the systems would be easier.
“In terms of growing our international presence and having access to top talent, things are good, but we need a systematic approach (with countries like Oman), and a leader who will basically take this initiative forward from both sides,” he asserted, adding “we haven’t yet found the right connection.”
On initiatives taken up by the club to make it more appealing to the younger generation, by collaborating with singers, etc, Blazquez said, “We thought football must have a brand extension in different sectors and so we have invested a lot on social media as well as music talent like (Italian singer) Bresh who was on top of the charts with a song dedicated to Genoa. We have more such initiatives with personalities of different sports to give the brand a better appeal with music.”
Earlier on, Blazquez mentioned that Genoa FC is one of the top clubs in Italy with limited resources but a strong management. The club currently has some of the best teenagers and many talented players in the national team of Italy. So, developing and selling young talent has been basically a key function of the club, he said, asserting “I am basically a professional investor, so the more youth talent I am able to develop, the more I can succeed economically because developing a player over time might cost me a few hundred thousand Euros but if had to buy the same talent, it would cost me a few million Euros.”
About the club opening its doors to international talent, he said, “Over the years, we had focused more on Italian players or foreign talent born in Italy. However, we have now created a new academy to bring in new talent from all over Europe. It is a little difficult to bring in players from outside Europe because in Italy the legal system permits bringing only few international players.”
He also mentioned that FIFA has very strict rules with regard to minors. So, if you consider players from an international family which has recently relocated to Italy (like Suhayb al Kharusi), then it is easy to integrate them in the academy. But, for international minors, there is scope to include only three international youth in the roster every year, he said, adding that these are selected following direct interaction with federations of countries interested in nominating candidates.
Regarding providing talented young players, who drop out of school, with academic knowledge, Blazquez said care is taken to ensure that young players have access to school education or vocational schools parallel to their training so that they have options to fall back on once their careers in football are over.
With specific reference to the Arab world, Blazquez said he has, indeed, spotted good talent in Dubai and Saudi Arabia, as well as elsewhere, as the love for football does exist in the Arab world. “Skills are existent everywhere but investing in developing those skills for potential players is important,” he said.
Being selected by Genoa FC – is it the beginning of your big dreams?
Being selected by Genoa FC is an incredible honour and a significant milestone in my journey. It feels surreal to be part of one of Italy’s most historic football clubs, and I see this opportunity as the beginning of something much bigger. It’s a dream come true, but at the same time, it’s just the beginning of my journey.
However, I must admit that being part of such a competitive environment is also a huge challenge. The level here is extremely high, and it pushes me to work harder every single day. I’m surrounded by some of the best players in the world, which means I have to continuously improve my game, stay focused, and be relentless in my pursuit of excellence. For me, this isn’t just about personal achievement but about proving myself and representing Oman on this elite stage.
My dreams extend far beyond this moment, as I aim to represent Oman on the international stage and contribute to the world of football. For me, it’s about paving the way for other young talents back home.
What are your immediate goals and long-term ambition?
My immediate goal is to make the most of every training session and matches with Genoa FC. I’m focused on continuously improving my skills, learning from the coaches, and contributing to the team’s success. I want to prove myself at this level and show that I belong among the elite players of Serie A.
As for my long-term ambition, I dream of representing Oman on the global stage – at the Olympics, the World Cup, and beyond. I want to be an ambassador for Omani football and inspire a new generation of athletes in my country. Football has given me so much, and I hope to use my platform to give back by promoting the importance of sports, fitness, and discipline.
How do you find your training sessions – what are your strengths and areas for improvement?
The training sessions at Genoa FC are intense and incredibly rewarding. Every day is a challenge, and I’m constantly pushed to be the best version of myself. The level of professionalism and focus here is something I admire, and it’s driving me to work harder.
In terms of my strengths, I would say my speed, vision, and ability to read the game have been key factors in my success. However, I believe there is always room for improvement. I’m focused on improving my physical strength to ensure I can perform consistently at the highest level. Football is a sport that demands continuous growth, and I’m committed to evolving every day.
Do you also use this opportunity to share information about Oman to people you meet?
Absolutely. I take great pride in being from Oman, and whenever I meet new people – whether teammates, coaches, or fans – I love sharing stories about my country. Oman is a beautiful and culturally rich place, and I always try to highlight its welcoming nature, our passion for sports, and the rising talent we have in football.
It’s important to me that people not only see me as an individual but also as a representative of Oman, showing that our nation is full of potential and talent waiting to be recognised. My hope is that my journey will inspire others to take an interest in Oman, both on and off the field.
What is the best part of being in the stable of Italy’s oldest football club?
The best part of being with Genoa FC is the sense of history and legacy that surrounds the club. Genoa is the oldest football club in Italy, and it carries with it a tradition of resilience, excellence, and a deep love for the sport. To be a part of this legacy is both humbling and motivating.
I feel like I’m walking in the footsteps of football legends, and that pushes me to uphold the high standards that come with being a part of this great institution. It’s also incredibly inspiring to be in an environment where football is more than just a game – it’s a passion, a way of life, and a bridge that connects people from all walks of life.
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