Cape Town City FC teen sensation Emile Witbooi has attracted serious interest from leagues in England, Spain, Germany, France, Belgium and Africa, according to his agency, Roc Nation Sports International (RNSI).
The 18-year-old South African youth international and his teammates missed out on promotion to the Betway Premiership at the end of last season via the PSL/Promotion playoffs.
Their failure to get topflight football has seen clubs in major leagues make enquiries on the son of former City and Mamelodi Sundowns winger Surprise Ralani.
As per ESPN, Nathan Campbell, the RNSI head of global football recruitment, has revealed that several teams have ignited interest in their young client.
“He [Witbooi] turns 18 in August. There is interest. There’s a number of clubs that have shown an interest,” said Campbell.
“The next obstacle is obviously them making an attractive enough bid to Cape Town City. He’s obviously contracted there, so that’s the next phase. There’s a number of clubs who have shown an interest in Emile in Europe, in the US and obviously on the African continent.
“We all know how well Emile’s done at the [U17] World Cup. Especially in the group stage, he was a standout player. So, as you can imagine from that, it’s the most scouted tournament at that age. So you had the likes of teams from La Liga, teams from Belgium, teams from England. They’re all tracking Emile.
“I think then, as us, as an agency, it’s about identifying: ‘Ok — where do his profile and skills best fit within that?’ Obviously, there still is some physical development to come on Emile’s side. So, it’s just about balancing that – but honestly, he’s got interest from a range of leagues in Europe ranging from Belgium, France, England, Spain and Germany.”
Campbell also admitted with City still campaigning in the first division this has seen the interest in Witbooi spike.
“I think obviously with Cape Town City not going up and getting promoted, it’s going to heighten the amount of interest in him because I think he’s a player who should be playing at the highest level with his ability and his potential. I think it’s unlimited where he can go to,” he added.
“I think again, there’s going to be a lot of interest in Emile because he’s a player who can win you a game. He’s super exciting. Our ambition and goal is still to try and get him to Europe.
“I believe obviously there’s going to be a number of top clubs again in South Africa that want him and that can be exciting – but I do truly believe for Emile to hit his ceiling or highest level, it would be great to get him into Europe.”
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