Kaizer Chiefs’ fumble chance to sign history maker

Kaizer Chiefs will be regretting their decision to not sign one of South Africa’s most promising stars. They sit eighth on the log.

Kaizer Chiefs closing in on Lwandile Mabuya. Image: iDiski Times

Kaizer Chiefs will be watching Emile Witbooi’s rise in anguish.

Aged sixteen, the Cape Town City youngster became the ninth youngest debutant in PSL history, solidifying his stamp as one of South Africa’s most exciting prospects. He already has Chelsea curios, who flew Witbooi to London for a month’s trial last year.

Son of former Sundowns winger Bradley Ralani, the attacking midfielder has soccer lineage; it’s in his blood.

AmaKhosi mishap

The Mother City gem graduated, like Relebohile Mofokeng and Siyabonga Mabena, from the School of Excellence, and had several clubs, including Kaizer Chiefs, monitoring his performances; but, it was Cape Town City who made the first move, a deal that was perhaps helped by his father’s history with the club.

Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye believes Kaizer Chiefs made a mistake not signing Witbooi, saying, “Chiefs were supposed to sign the boy if they really wanted to compete,

“That’s why I have been questioning some of the club’s decisions when it comes to their scouting and signing of players, because I don’t understand how they missed out on such a talented player,” Khanye added.

“That’s why I keep on referring to the days of Farouk Khan, and I am still saying that Kaizer Chiefs’ development has never been the same ever since Farouk left the club.”

When asked about Witbooi’s talents, Khanye was quick to praise, saying, “what a talented player that boy is. I know the boy well and I have been following his progress, and I am very impressed with him,

“In that boy, people will see the best of what this country has to offer in terms of talent and don’t forget that we still have [Relebohile] Mofokeng and [Siyabonga] Mabena – oh, what a talent,

“Mabena is such a talented player who will surprise a lot of people, and it’s just that he hasn’t been given a chance to play regularly at Sundowns yet.”