Gornik Zabrze raise offer for Cape Town City teenager Emile Witbooi

Gornik Zabrze are preparing an improved offer of more than €900,000 (R16.7m) for Cape Town City forward Emile Witbooi, with the 17-year-old potentially on the verge of a move to Europe this transfer window, KickOff understands.

The Polish club’s previous bid of €800,000 (R15m) was rejected by City, but Gornik Zabrze are expected to return with a higher proposal for one of South Africa’s most highly rated young players.

Cape Town City chairman John Comitis has publicly stated that the club values Witbooi at €1m (R18.6m). The Citizens are understood to be holding out for at least that amount in negotiations with the Polish side.

Witbooi is believed to be excited by the possibility of moving abroad and feels the timing could be right for what would be a “dream” switch to Europe. However, the deal remains finely balanced as Cape Town City consider a significant decision over the future of their teenage attacker.

Gornik Zabrze are currently involved in the UEFA Europa Conference League play-offs against Monaco. They trail 3-2 following the first leg.

The Polish transfer window closes on 9 September, leaving the clubs with a limited period in which to reach an agreement.

Witbooi has attracted growing attention after establishing himself as a key player for Cape Town City during the 2025/26 campaign. The club finished second in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, but missed out on promotion back to the Betway Premiership after losing in the play-offs.

His performances earned him the Motsepe Foundation Championship Player of the Season award and ensured that interest in his services continued to increase.

The skilful attacker had previously undergone an assessment with English Premier League club Chelsea. After returning from his time with The Blues, he quietly resumed his career with Cape Town City and went on to play an important role in their campaign.

Witbooi has also been linked with interest from South African clubs, including Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns. Comitis previously responded to the speculation surrounding the teenager by saying: “Everybody is selling him to Pirates”.

Despite those links, it is Gornik Zabrze who have made the clearest move so far, with their revised proposal expected to exceed €900,000. Cape Town City’s position is that the valuation must be met if the young player is to leave.

The outcome will depend on whether the Polish club is prepared to push its offer to the €1m figure demanded by City, and whether the South African club decides that the package represents the right deal for Witbooi’s development.

For now, the proposed transfer remains unresolved, but the latest approach from Gornik Zabrze has increased the prospect of Witbooi beginning his career in Europe.