Ramagalela backs Emile Witbooi for early Bafana Bafana call-up

MTN8 ambassador Rodney Ramagalela believes Cape Town City teenager Emile Witbooi should be involved with Bafana Bafana sooner rather than later.

The 18-year-old attracted significant attention during the previous transfer window, when he was linked with a move away from Cape Town City. However, none of the interested clubs were able to meet City’s asking price.

Witbooi has not allowed the speculation to affect his performances. The reigning Motsepe Foundation Championship Player’s Player of the Season has continued to impress this season, raising the standard in every match.

His progress was also evident at international level. Witbooi played a key role as South Africa U20 won the COSAFA Cup and secured qualification for the next edition of the Africa Cup of Nations at U20 level, where they will attempt to retain their title.

Ramagalela said he expected Witbooi to become a valuable member of the senior national team under coach Pitso Mosimane.

“Yoh! I’ve watched that boy, a very good player, very talented, very good understanding of the game. He is one player I am looking forward to seeing at Bafana and I believe with coach Pitso very soon he will be there and he will be a very good asset for the national team,” Ramagalela told iDiski Times.

The former player also praised the support Witbooi has received from his father, Surprise Ralani, who he believes is helping the youngster make sensible decisions about his career.

“I am happy that he is getting the right guidance from his father Surprise Ralani. I know he is telling him the right stuff as a footballer to be able to know where to go. That’s why you see him he is still there at Cape Town City. That says a lot about the advice he is getting,” he said.

Ramagalela added that Witbooi should not be rushed into a move while he continued to develop.

“You don’t want to confuse the young man because he is playing well. You want to build him to be a very good player without confusing him into thinking he can play there, he must go there,” he said.

“When the time comes for him to move from Cape Town City it will happen and it’s gonna be a very great move for him.”

Witbooi has represented South Africa at U15, U17 and U20 level. He was recently named in the U23 national team squad for upcoming friendlies against Algeria.