Cape Town City FC chairman John Comitis has made a bold statement about Emile Witbooi’s invitation for trial at the English Premier League club Chelsea.
The 16-year-old offensive midfielder flew to the UK early in November to begin a four-week-long assessment with the Blues, where he hopes to impress and earn a contract.
Witbooi drew the attention of the English side with his outstanding performances at club level in the DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] and for the national squad, South Africa Under-17 and 20.
The teen sensation has only been with the Citizens for less than a year, having transferred from the School of Excellence; however, Comitis underlined that the club has paved the path for the kid through its network.
He further expressed his delight, saying the club’s academy is on the right track and believes that they have made it “the best place” for the young talent in the country.
COMITIS SAYS CITY ACADEMY IS ‘BEST PLACE’ FOR 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.
Amato, one of the above-mentioned youngsters, scored in their recent match against Lamontville Golden Arrows in the Betway Premiership on Sunday.
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