Ralani details ‘Surprise’ CT Spurs sacking: Son Witbooi’s transfer played a role
Former Cape Town Spurs player Surprise Ralani has revealed the surprising circumstances that led to his dismissal from the club, detailing how his son Emile Witbooi’s transfer played a role in his departure.
Ralani signed a one-year contract with Motsepe Foundation Championship side CTSpurs in October 2023 as a free agent after leaving Mamelodi Sundowns.
The veteran midfielder was signed by CT Spurs to bring a much-needed experience after they gained promotion to the Betway Premiership at the start of the 2023/24 season from the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
Ralani’s journey with CT Spurs took a dramatic turn. Just two months into his contract, the experienced midfielder was released by the club. However, the story didn’t end there. When The Urban Warriors failed to honour the terms of Ralani’s departure, specifically the payment of his agreed-upon settlement fee, the club was forced to bring him back.
Following the relegation of CT Spurs at the end of the last season, the skilful winger was left without a team after his contract was not renewed. During his stint at CT Spurs, Ralani featured in 14 appearances across all competitions and provided one assist.
In a stunning revelation, Kimberly-born star and current Hungry Lions FC attacker Surprise Ralani has claimed he was released by Cape Town Spurs for facilitating the transfer of his son, midfield sensation Emile Witbooi, to Cape Town City FC instead of CT Spurs.
CT Spurs questioned the loyalty of the 37-year-old, who is also serving as an agent to the SA’s junior international. Witbooi is currently in the CT City’s DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] side after signing from the School of Excellence in January 2024.
CAPE TOWN SPURS AXED RALANI FOR TAKING WITBOOI TO CT CITY
“If you look at my situation, the last team I played for is Cape Town Spurs. I think you know what happened there; I was called in, let go and called back again. At the end of the season, or two months close to the end of the season, I got called in again, and they said we are not going to need you anymore,” Surprise Ralani said on Metro FM.
“When the new coach [Ernst Middendorp] came, I played few matches, and there was a rumour about my son joining Cape Town City, and management at Spurs was not happy.
“The coach called the meeting with senior players, and out of the blue, the coach mentioned how the board is not happy with my son being at Cape Town City, but I’m playing for Spurs.
“I orchestrated the mover to Cape Town City, but to be honest, Spurs didn’t even know about my son until he signed for Cape Town City. I mean, so many teams wanted him after he left School of Excellence. Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs came, but at the end of the day, I wanted my son to enjoy his football considering his age, but they questioned my loyalty to the club.”
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