Veteran footballer Surprise Ralani has detailed how Kaizer Chiefs turned down an opportunity to sign his son Emile Witbooi. The 16-year-old sensation recently made his professional debut for Cape Town City FC.
At the age of 16, six months, and two days old, Witbooi became the youngest player ever to represent the Betway Premiership club – CT City.
The record for the youngest player to play in South African top flight is held by Mkhanyiseli Siwahla. He was 15 years, five months, and 22 days when he made his debut for Ajax Cape Town, now known as Cape Town Spurs
Witbooi also spent a month on trials at English Premier League side Chelsea. This is after he impressed in the SA national Under-17 [Amajimbos] as well as the Citizens, DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] side.
SURPRISE RALANI DETAILS HOW KAIZER CHIEFS TURNED DOWN OPPORTUNITY TO SIGN HIS SON
Speaking on Metro FM Sports Show, Sports Night Amplified, Ralani revealed that his son spent two weeks at the Soweto giants. The 37-year-old also explained why the 16-year-old did not make the cut at Amakhosi.
“He went to Chiefs. I think it was a year or two before he went to the School of Excellence. Chiefs actually turned him down,” said Ralani.
HOW THE SOWETO GIANTS WERE NOT IMPRESSED WITH EMILE WITBOOI PHYSICALITY
“They said something about his physicality. He was not built enough according to their standards. But the football side was there, and they had to turn him back. [They said], no he needed to grow a little bit. So that’s how it happened. But he was there at Chiefs.
“I think it was about two weeks. They said no, he is too small, players that were his age were bigger than him. So they just thought he needs to grow a little bit,” added Ralani.
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