Orlando Pirates FC is linked with Cape Town City's Emile Witbooi, who is set for an assessment with European giants amid continued speculation. The 17-year-old has been one of the most talked-about players during the current transfer window, with reports linking him to Betway Premiership heavyweights Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns. Despite the speculation, Witbooi remains a Cape Town City player, although chairman John Comitis admits the talented attacker is attracting attention from both local and overseas clubs.
What happened?
Cape Town City chairman John Comitis confirmed that Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich have invited Witbooi for assessment as the continues to map out the youngster's development. "We have got an invitation for him to go to Bayern Munich, which we're now considering only just to keep him relevant for his own good to see what level he has to be reaching," Comitis said.
Why it matters for Orlando Pirates FC
While Comitis acknowledged that Witbooi's long-term future is likely to lie elsewhere, he stressed that City still hope to keep hold of the teenager as they chase success this season. "So, I'm really positive that by the end of the season and we need him very much so to assist us with this attempt to win the league," shared the Chairman.
What comes next?
Comitis added that he can't see him staying with the Cape Town club for more than one season, that's if he's going to even stay with them for the season. "[But] It's got to be the right deal for him and for the club, of course. But I mean, he's got so much, there's so much interest now and MLS clubs are calling us wanting to know what is the kind of terms and conditions. "So, it's a matter of time, but we need to be very careful because he's so critical at the moment for us to get off the ground out of the starting blocks here and to get to the point where we can actually try and win this league. "It's got to be somewhere where the player is going to continue growing and he's got to continue having the opportunity to get himself overseas at some point."
League standing
Orlando Pirates FC is currently 2nd in the Premier Soccer League, with 3 points from 1 game, and recent form W. They have scored 2 goals this season and conceded 0, with a +2 goal difference.
League standing: 2nd in Premier Soccer League, 3 pts, 1W-0D-0L from 1 games, recent form W. Goals this season: 2 scored, 0 conceded (+2 goal difference).
