Cape Town City starlet Emile Witbooi has become the eighth youngest player to make his debut in the history of South African footballs top league.
At just 16 years 6 months and 3 days, Witbooi was brought off the bench for his debut by Citys manager Muhsin Ertugral in the 68th minute of their 2-0 loss to AmaZulu FC at the King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday.
Born 28 August 2008, Witbooi is the son of former Mamelodi Sundowns and Cape Town City winger Bradley Surprise Ralani, who played the majority of his professional career in Sweden before returning to South Africa in 2022.
Witbooi joined Cape Town Citys academy in January 2024 where his talent shone through in the DSTV Diski Challenge. At just 15 years old, he was selected to represent South Africa u17 for the first occasion.
The youngster was promoted to the Citizens first team at the start of their 2024/25 Betway Premiership campaign, which was shortly followed by a call up to South Africas u20 COSAFA Cup squad, where he helped his side to a ninth COSAFA Cup u20 title in October.