Revealed! Why Kaizer Chiefs decided against signing ex-Chelsea FC trialist Emile Witbooi as former Mamelodi Sundowns winger Bradley Ralani spills the beans - 'They had to turn him back'

Former Mamelodi Sundowns winger Bradley Ralani has explained why Kaizer Chiefs rejected his son Emile Witbooi, who is currently showcasing his talent at Cape Town City.

The 16-year-old talent has emerged as one of the promising future stars in SA football, having made his professional debut during the club’s loss to AmaZulu under former Amakhosi coach Muhsin Ertugral last weekend.

Ralani, who also played for Cape Town City and is now plying his trade at the NFD side Hungry Lions, has shared why Chiefs could not secure Witbooi’s signature.

"He [Witbooi] went to Kaizer Chiefs. I think it was a year or two before he went to the School of Excellence. Chiefs actually turned him down," said Ralani to Sports Night Amplified with Andile Ncube. 

"Chiefs said something about his physicality. He was not built enough according to their standards. But the football side was there, and they had to turn him back.

"Chiefs said he needed to grow a little bit. So that is how it happened. But he was there at Chiefs," he added. 

"I think he spent about two weeks there. They said no, he was too small, and players that were his age were bigger than him. So they just thought he needs to grow a little bit."

In November 2024, Witbooi departed South Africa for a four-week assessment at the Premier League powerhouse Chelsea FC following his impressive performances in City’s reserve team and the SA national Under-17 squad.

The young talent has been tipped to be one of the finest prospects the country has ever produced. Making his debut for the Mother City-based outfit's first team meant that Witbooi became the youngest player to ever wear City’s jersey at the age of 16 and 185 days.

The future appears bright for Witbooi, considering his talent and the fact that he has already gained recognition from a top football club like Chelsea.

Witbooi will strive to demonstrate his worth to Chiefs, should he get playing time when Cape Town City faces Amakhosi on Wednesday, March 12.