CHELSEA TRIAL: City’s Emile Witbooi
Image: File Picture
Has anyone else noticed how green the veld is around Kimberley? The usually cardboard-coloured wild grass is a delightful hue of green after the recent rains … It just goes to show that not everything in Kimberley is dry and dull.
Yes, Kimberley can serve up some delightful surprises and of late one of Kimberley’s sons must have delighted friends, family and soccer fans when he stepped onto the big stage.
Emile Witbooi is far from green, even at the tender age of 16. But the young soccer talent from Kimberley became Cape Town City’s youngest-ever player during their 2-0 loss to AmaZulu FC on Sunday, 2 March 2025.
Witbooi had previously attended trials at Premiership giants Chelsea after impressive displays for City’s youth teams, and after his stint in England Cape Town City coach Muhsin Ertugral felt it was time to give the young player a run in the PSL.
Although City lost the match, Witbooi was brought on as a substitute, which was a moment of pride for all who have been following his career.
Emile’s father, former Mamelodi Sundowns star Bradley Ralani was overjoyed over the fact that his son made history at Cape Town City. The fact that Emile was entrusted with this responsibility at just 16 years, 6 months, and 2 days old, means that his coaches and teammates see something special in him.
This is, as expected, no surprise to Ralani, who expressed his pride in Emile’s achievement. “A father’s joy knows no bounds when his Son reaches for the
stars and succeeds,” Ralani said.
The 37-year-old Ralani that is still active and plying his trade in the National First Division sent out a heartfelt message of support to his son who stands on the brink of something big.
“Super Proud of you, my Son. Congratulations on ur 1st Professional game,” Ralani wrote. “The world is yours.” (sic)
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