The 16-year-old attacking midfielder traveled to the UK in early November for a four-week trial with Chelsea, aiming to impress and secure a contract.
Witbooi caught the attention of the English club with his exceptional performances in the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) and as part of South Africa’s Under-17 and Under-20 national teams.
Despite joining Cape Town City FC less than a year ago from the School of Excellence, Chairman John Comitis emphasized that the club’s network has been instrumental in paving the way for his opportunity.
Comitis expressed his pride in the academy’s progress, describing it as “the best place” for nurturing young talent in South Africa.
COMITIS DECLARES CITY ACADEMY THE ‘BEST PLACE’ FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG TALENT IN SA
“It means we are on the right track,” Comitis told FARPost.
“We’ve worked hard building the academy while creating networks and pathways to make sure Cape Town City is the best place for elite young talent in South Africa.”
“It’s a beautiful opportunity for Emile to measure himself against the best footballers in the world.
“He will get more opportunities like this, as will the many other special players we have coming through the academy.”
The Western Cape outfit has produced a handful of young players who are now with the first team.
This includes the likes of Taahir Goedeman, Gabriel Amato, Jaedin Rhodes, Shakeel April and Jody Ah Shene.
