Emile Witbooi's Chelsea trial proves Cape Town City is the best place in SA for young talent, says John Comitis

Cape Town City's academy is the best place in South Africa for young footballers learning the game, according to club chairman John Comitis.

Comitis' statement comes after the club's starlet Emile Witbooi spent some time in London where he was undergoing a trial with Premier League giants Chelsea.

Further reports last week even said Manchester City were keeping tabs on Witbooi, the son of former Cape Town City and Mamelodi Sundowns star Bradley Ralani.

It was Witbooi's performances in the Multichoice Diski League and for the under-17 national team that alerted the English giants to his immense talent. 

“It means we are on the right track,” City chairman Comitis, according to FARPost.

“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," said Comitis.

“It’s a beautiful opportunity for Emile to measure himself against the best footballers in the world.

“He will get more opportunities like this, as will the many other special players we have coming through the academy.”

First team players like Taahir Goedeman, Gabriel Amato, Jaedin Rhodes, Shakeel April and Jody Ah Shene have come through the ranks at City, while teenager Luphumlo Sifumba recently completed a move to FC Vizela in the Portuguese second division.

South African football has seen a number of impressive young players attracting the interests of European clubs in recent years.

Last year, Orlando Pirates' Relebohile Mofokeng went on trial with Wolves, and was earlier this week sensationally linked with Spanish giants Barcelona, who have reportedly been asking about the 20-year-old.

Former SuperSport United star Shandre Campbell has been turning heads with Club NXT — Club Brugge's farm team — in the Belgian second tier, while in Major League Soccer, Bongokuhle Hlongwane has also impressed.