Cape Town City chairman John Comitis says new signing Emile Witbooi has the potential to play for a club like FC Barcelona. The 15 year old was linked with Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs but he’s opted to sign for the Citizens.
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Witbooi joins the Cape Town City family
Emile Witbooi, son of Cape Town Spurs winger Surprise Ralani, made his breakthrough at the School Of Excellence and junior national team. Now, he’s got tongues wagging. The 15-year-old represented South Africa’s U15s in the UEFA U16 International Development Tournament in Poland. The youngster was linked to European clubs, as well as Sundowns, but Cape Town City have won the race for his signature.
Comitis is excited about the seemingly limitless potential of Witbooi, saying he hasn’t been as confident about a young talent for a while.
“It’s not often that I get excited about a young player,” he told Thabiso Mosia on Radio 2000.
“I did so with Thulani Serero, I did so before that with Steven Pienaar, and I’m doing it again with this kid.
“I can’t believe what I’m seeing when I’m watching him playing in the Diski.
“We’re quite excited about that but there’s still a long journey to go.”
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Comitis wants youngsters to be sent to Europe
Comitis also admitted that City are trying to open a pathway into Europe as soon as possible for the young teenage sensation, who is currently running out for the club’s DStv Diski Challenge team.
“I think the sooner we can get this kid to a European club so that they can assess him the better,” he added.
“He’s got to go to a club like Barcelona to be honest. That’s the level at which I think he can perform in the years to come.
“If at 15 he’s doing what he’s doing now, I think they’re gonna get really excited to see him.
“We’re trying to open the channels, even if it’s just two to three weeks on a camp, just for him to understand where he’s really at.
“We owe it to him, even if he never really kicks a ball in South Africa.”
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KAIZER CHIEFS UNDETERRED BY PRICE TAG FOR MAYO?
25-year-old Bafana Bafana star Mayo is currently the joint-top goal scorer in the DStv Premiership with six strikes. Last season he jointly won the Golden Boot with 12 goals alongside Peter Shalulile. He recently penned a new deal with the Citizens running through until 2028. Comitis added that City were not open to selling the player during the upcoming January transfer window. However, they might be more receptive at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.
“I made a statement that if Mayo scores 15 goals this season, then USD2-million [R37-million] is his price tag. I don’t think I am wrong. Even that number now with what’s happening with the African Football League [AFL], they are throwing money around like it’s nothing – let it come my way. At this stage we are happy with Mayo, he still has a long-term contract with us.”
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