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Relebohile Mofokeng, Orlando PiratesBackpage
Clifton Mabasa

Emile Witbooi, Relebohile Mofokeng and the six South African wonderkids who had trials with EPL teams & other major European clubs

A few local young footballers have been making moves to European teams lately, and some are being assessed by top teams in the EPL.

The passion for football continues to grow in South Africa and if there is one thing we can all agree on, it is that Mzansi has and will always produce talented footballers. 

Recently, plenty of SA youngsters have been attracting interest from European clubs and some even went to do trials at some of the big teams. 

But more interestingly, there have been several of the local aspiring footballers who have got a chance of trialing in the English Premier League, one of the biggest leagues in the world. 

Here, GOAL looks at a few who had a chance to try their luck in major European clubs and where they are now. 

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  • Emile Witbooi of Cape Town CityCape Town City on X

    EMILE WITBOOI

    In another exciting news this week, Cape Town City starlet Emile Witbooi jetted out to England for a one-month trial at EPL giants Chelsea FC. 

    The 16-year-old star, who is a son to former Mamelodi Sundowns winger Surprise Ralani, has been phenomenal for the Citizens DDC team and the South Africa U20 side this season.

    Witbooi will be aiming to impress Chelsea's under-18 coaches and ultimately secure a contract with the West London giants. 

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  • Relebohile Mofokeng, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG

    The Orlando Pirates star spent a few weeks in England at Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C, where he was being assessed in 2023. 

    Since completing his trials, it appears that Wolves are yet to issue feedback to the Sharpeville-born starlet. 

    Mofokeng is continuing to do his magic with the 2024 MTN8 champions and has been one of the top performers for Jose Riveiro's team since last season. 

  • Mduduzi Shabalala, Kaizer Chiefs, September 2024Backpagepix

    MDUDUZI SHABALALA

    Kaizer Chiefs star Mduduzi Shabalala had a chance of moving to Europe at an early stage of his career when he was invited for assessment by Belgian club KVC Westerlo in 2022. 

    Mdu, as the player is nicknamed, impressed at Westerlo but his proposed move to the club failed to materialize as Amakhosi and the Belgian side could not agree on a transfer fee during negotiations. 

    Upon his return, the Glamour Boys academy graduate faced difficulties at Chiefs. However, the 20-year-old midfielder has now taken a significant step forward in his career as his renewed commitment and hard work have been paying off in Nasreddine Nabi's team. 

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  • Ime Okon, SuperSport United, March 2024Backpagepix

    IME OKON

    The Bafana Bafana and Nigeria-eligible defender had a trial at Danish Superliga outfit FC Midtjylland earlier this year. 

    However, the 20-year-old, who has been in fine form for SuperSport following his promotion to the first team last year, did not sign a deal with  FC Midtjylland. 

    The defender continues to develop and show his potential under the tutelage of Gavin Hunt at Matsatsantsa so could be in line for a January move to Europe.

  • Antonio van Wyk, Stellenbosch, August 2024BackPagePix

    ANTONIO VAN WYK

    Former Stellenbosch  FC winger Antonio van Wyk underwent trials with Royal Antwerp in Belgium in 2022.

    The South Africa under-23 player seemingly did not impress in Belgium but he rose to prominence at Stellies under the guidance of Steve Barker last season.

    The 20-year-old winger is now plying his trade in the Erste Liga's side SV Ried in Austria having joined the team from the Cape Winelands side in August. 

  • Craig Martin, Kamohelo Mahlatsi, Bienvenu Eva Nga, Chippa UnitedChippa United

    KEANU STEVENS

    Defensive midfielder Keanu Stevens had trials with Serie A powerhouse AC Milan in September 2023.

    Keanu, 18, seemingly did not impress at AC Milan during the assessment. 

    The Gqeberha-born defensive midfielder is currently part of Chippa United's development side and will be hoping to do enough to be in first team contention in the near future. 

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