Cape Town City’s academy is officially regarded as the best in South Africa for young footballers, according to club chairman John Comitis. Comitis made the statement following the successful trial of the club’s promising starlet, Emile Witbooi, at Premier League giants Chelsea in London. Witbooi, the son of former Cape Town City and Mamelodi Sundowns star Bradley Ralani, caught the attention of Chelsea after impressing in the Multichoice Diski League and with the South African under-17 national team. Reports also emerged last week that Manchester City had started to monitor the teenager, further underlining his growing reputation. Reflecting on this achievement, Comitis expressed his pride in the academy’s progress, emphasizing that the recognition from top European clubs is evidence of their success. “It means we are on the right track,” said Comitis. “We’ve worked hard building the academy while creating networks and pathways to make sure Cape Town City is the best place for elite young talent in South Africa.”
Comitis also noted that opportunities like this trial with Chelsea are crucial for players like Witbooi. “It’s a beautiful opportunity for Emile to measure himself against the best footballers in the world,” he continued. “He will get more opportunities like this, as will the many other special players we have coming through the academy.” Cape Town City’s academy has already produced several first-team players, including Taahir Goedeman, Gabriel Amato, Jaedin Rhodes, Shakeel April, and Jody Ah Shene. Recently, teenager Luphumlo Sifumba made the leap to European football, securing a move to FC Vizela in the Portuguese second division. South African football has seen an increasing number of young talents attracting European attention. Last year, Orlando Pirates’ Relebohile Mofokeng went on trial with Wolverhampton Wanderers, and this week he was sensationally linked with a move to Spanish giants Barcelona. Additionally, former SuperSport United player Shandre Campbell has been making waves with Club NXT, Club Brugge’s farm team in Belgium’s second tier, while Bongokuhle Hlongwane continues to impress in Major League Soccer.
The growing interest in South African talent is a testament to the high standard of football being developed locally, with Cape Town City’s academy continuing to lead the way in nurturing the country’s next football stars.
Proteas have to mix and match after losing Wiaan Mulder – the batter and the bowler
The South African cricket team heads into the second Test against Sri Lanka in Gqeberha facing key selection challenges following a series of injuries and the unique conditions of the Bay. After a confident start to the series with captain Temba Bavuma naming the starting line-up a day before the first Test in Durban, the Proteas have been forced to adapt. The team, which boasted great balance thanks to the inclusion of all-rounders Marco van Staden and Wiaan Mulder, was struck a blow when Mulder sustained a fractured finger after being hit on the glove. While Mulder didn’t play a major role with the ball in Durban, Van Staden’s impressive showing made up for that absence. However, Mulder’s injury, combined with the absence of speedster Gerald Coetzee due to injury, has forced the Proteas to rethink their line-up. The second Test at St George’s Park presents a tricky decision: should they replace Mulder the bowler or Mulder the batsman? The pitch, traditionally spin-friendly, could see a significant reshuffle in the team. Proteas bowling coach Piet Botha confirmed that they are grappling with this dilemma as they evaluate their options.
Young left-arm quick Kwena Maphaka has been added to the squad, while left-arm spinner and all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy also joins the team, fresh from a strong performance against Bangladesh where he took 4/45 and scored a half-century. Muthusamy, who now plays for the Warriors, knows the conditions at St George’s Park well and could be a valuable option if the team opts for a second spinner. “The pitch will be assessed leading up to the game,” said Botha. “The weather looks good for the game and sometimes playing a second spinner depends on the wind factor. The option of a second spinner is definitely there to be discussed over the next couple of days.” Maphaka, meanwhile, could make his debut if the Proteas decide to go with four seamers. The 20-year-old impressed on his T20 International debut earlier this year in the West Indies and, after completing his matric exams, is eager to make his mark at the national level.
“Kwena is an unbelievable talent,” Botha said. “He has got the pace for a young guy and the mental make-up, which is one of his strengths. You can see it when you speak to him or work with him. He can bowl in the 140s, and that is exceptional. He has the pace to put batters under pressure.” While Muthusamy and Maphaka will battle for the spinner spot, Dane Paterson is the likely replacement for Coetzee. Paterson, who has shown good form recently in First-Class cricket, especially in a match for Western Province against the Warriors, will bring his wicket-to-wicket consistency to the team. While not as pacey as Coetzee, Paterson can shape the ball both ways and is known for extracting reverse swing. “Generally, St George’s Park is a good cricket wicket where you can get runs,” said Botha. “Dane Paterson’s style of bowling would suit that surface. Bowling that perfect length consistently and with good discipline could definitely come into play.”
With key decisions looming, the Proteas’ selection panel faces a tough task as they try to find the right balance for the second Test. As Botha concluded, “Who wants to be a selector?”
