Witbooi driving Amajimbos' Under-17 Afcon campaign in Morocco

Attacker Emile Witbooi is living up to lofty expectations after starring in Amajimbos’ 4-3 victory over Egypt in their Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations opener in Morocco on Monday night. Witbooi scored the winner, provided an assist, and won a penalty as South Africa secured all three points to climb to the top of Group B.

The 16-year-old duly walked away with the Player of the Match award and expressed his gratitude in a post-match interview with CAF TV.

“I am very happy with the win. I want to thank the Almighty Lord, first and foremost, for giving me the talent,” Witbooi said.

“I want to thank the technical team, my coaches, and my teammates. Alone, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve this. I would also like to thank my family at home for everything they’ve done for me. I think the boys came out and put up a great fight. Thank you!”

Coach Vela Khumalo's boys displayed tremendous fighting spirit, providing a huge morale boost ahead of their second group-stage match against Cameroon tomorrow. But heading into that game, all eyes will be on the Cape Town City striker to continue his fine form and lead his side to the knockout stage.

Witbooi is unfazed by the pressure, already believing that their opening win in Group B defines their team’s character.

“I love having the ball, organising the play, and helping my teammates get into the right positions,” Witbooi added. “We kept our composure and took our chances. This win reflects our mentality – we never give up.”

Witbooi is spot on about his qualities. Not only were they on full display against Egypt, but they were also evident during his PSL top-flight debut against AmaZulu last month.

The youngster didn’t just mesmerise his markers — some of whom are nearly as old as his father, Bradley Ralani (37) — but he also received special praise from his then-coach, Muhsin Ertugral. The former Cape Town City coach, widely known for nurturing some of the finest talents in the country, admitted his regret at not introducing Witbooi earlier.

“I was asking myself, ‘Why didn’t I bring him on earlier?’” said Ertugral, after Witbooi changed the game for City — although, by then, it was too little, too late. But obviously, we’re talking about a 16-year-old boy, and we also had Gabriel (Amato), a 19-year-old, on the field.

“So, these youngsters have a future. At the same time, we have to get results, so we couldn’t take too many risks.”

Having already shone for the national youth teams and City’s reserves, many have tipped Witbooi to become a superstar at his tender age. As such, local fans eagerly anticipated that he would secure a contract with Chelsea’s U18 team after undergoing a month-long trial with the London-based club.

According to Cape Town City’s head of football development and recruitment, Grant Veitch — who travelled with Witbooi to the UK — the teenager impressed during his trial.

“Amid his technical abilities, he fitted into the U18 squad quite seamlessly. He barely lost the ball throughout his time there,” Veitch told iDiski Times at the time. “I think it’s about acclimatising, getting used to the surroundings, and adjusting to the facilities of a big club.”

Witbooi is on course to become one of the country’s finest footballers—so much so that Ralani, who sees himself in the young talent, believes the world is his oyster.

“At his age, I see a young boy who is going to reach a level that I never did,” Ralani said in an interview with Goal South Africa.

“That’s how good I see my son. Playing in the U16 League in Gauteng, doing the things he’s doing, and representing the national team — it’s impressive. The way he plays reminds me a bit of myself. But as his father, I don’t want to overhype him … though he truly is a top-quality talent.

“If he keeps his head and feet firmly on the ground, I see him reaching heights I never did. That’s where I come in — as both a role model and a father — to guide him, because I’ve been on this road before.”