Emile Witbooi set to remain at Cape Town City after Gornik Zabrze bid falls short

Cape Town City teenager Emile Witbooi looks set to remain with the club after Polish side Gornik Zabrze failed to meet his asking price.

The 18-year-old has been at the centre of South Africa’s transfer window, with interest from clubs both domestically and overseas. Witbooi turned 18 last week and has continued to attract attention despite his young age.

Gornik Zabrze, which is co-owned by former Germany World Cup winner Lukas Podolski, made an offer of €800,000, worth about R15 million. However, Cape Town City rejected the bid after making it clear that they value Witbooi at between €1 million and €1.1 million, equivalent to approximately R18 million to R20 million.

The Polish club had been expected to return with an improved proposal, but it was unable to meet Cape Town City’s demands. With the Polish transfer window due to close in two days, a move to Gornik Zabrze now appears unlikely.

Cape Town City’s asking price also discouraged local interest. Orlando Pirates were understood to be considering a move for Witbooi following Relebohile Mofokeng’s transfer to Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.

However, Orlando Pirates only made an enquiry and chose not to proceed after being informed that Cape Town City wanted around R20 million for the South African junior international.

There was also interest from unnamed Major League Soccer clubs, although those enquiries did not lead to a completed transfer. The Major League Soccer transfer window closed on 2 September, meaning Witbooi’s options for a move during the current window have narrowed further.

Despite the speculation surrounding his future, Witbooi has maintained a professional attitude and has continued to perform strongly for Cape Town City.

He provided an assist in the club’s 2-1 victory over Hungry Lions, underlining his immediate contribution to the first team. Cape Town City chairman John Comitis is relying on the teenager to help the club in its bid to secure promotion back to the Betway Premiership.

Witbooi’s performances have helped keep him in the spotlight during a transfer period in which his potential has been recognised by clubs in South Africa, Poland and the United States. But unless there is a late development before the relevant deadline, he is expected to stay at Cape Town City.

Gornik Zabrze’s failure to bridge the gap between its initial offer and Cape Town City’s valuation has effectively halted the proposed move, while the closure of the MLS window means a transfer to the United States is no longer possible in this window. For now, Witbooi remains with the club as Cape Town City continue their promotion campaign.

Story by Sinethemba Makonco.