Gornik Zabrze prepare improved bid for Cape Town City teenager Emile Witbooi

Polish club Gornik Zabrze are preparing a new offer for Cape Town City teenager Emile Witbooi after their initial bid for the highly rated midfielder was rejected.

Zabrze submitted an offer of €800,000 (R15 million) for Witbooi two weeks ago, but Cape Town City turned it down and made clear that they are seeking €1 million (R20 million) for the 17-year-old.

The Polish side are expected to return with an improved proposal before their transfer window closes on 9 September. Gornik Zabrze are owned by former Germany World Cup winner Lukas Podolski.

It remains unclear whether the revised bid will meet Cape Town City’s valuation or persuade the South African club to allow Witbooi to leave. The Citizens have so far maintained that the player is worth the higher fee.

Witbooi was involved for Cape Town City in their 2-1 away defeat by Real Native FC. Despite that result, the youngster continues to attract interest after an impressive 2025/26 campaign.

He was named Motsepe Foundation Championship Player of the Season for 2025/26 after helping the Citizens reach the promotion playoffs. Cape Town City ultimately fell short of securing promotion, but Witbooi’s performances ensured he remained one of the competition’s most closely watched young players.

The latest interest from Gornik Zabrze comes as uncertainty continues over the teenager’s next move. A transfer to another South African club currently appears unlikely, with teams that previously made enquiries failing to return with concrete offers because of Cape Town City’s asking price.

That leaves the Polish club as the side showing the clearest intent to secure Witbooi’s signature. Their first approach did not reach the required figure, but the planned second offer could lead to further discussions between the clubs.

Cape Town City will now have to decide how to respond when the new proposal is formally tabled. The club’s position has been that Witbooi will only be considered for a move if their €1 million valuation is met.

With the Polish transfer window closing on 9 September, Gornik Zabrze have a limited period in which to complete a deal. Whether they increase their offer sufficiently, and whether Cape Town City are willing to negotiate, will determine if Witbooi leaves South Africa for Poland.

For now, the 17-year-old remains a Cape Town City player, but Gornik Zabrze have not given up on signing the Motsepe Foundation Championship’s 2025/26 Player of the Season.