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Emile Witbooi makes history as South Africa’s youngest star

Posted : 03 March 2025

Emile Witbooi made history as one of the youngest players to debut in South African football when he featured for Cape Town City in their 2-0 defeat to AmaZulu in the Betway Premiership on Sunday.  


At just 16 years, six months, and five days old, his debut placed him among the 13 players who made their professional appearances before turning 17.  


Witbooi has already represented South Africa at the U-20 level and has undergone trials in Europe, positioning himself as a promising talent for the future.  


He is the son of Surprise Ralani, a footballer who built much of his career in Scandinavia before returning home to play for Cape Town City, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Cape Town Spurs.  


Witbooi was first named on Cape Town City’s bench during a league game against Royal AM in September. Had he played in that match, he would have ranked as the sixth youngest debutant in league history.  


The record for the youngest debut belongs to Mkhanyiseli Siwahla, who was 15 years, five months, and 22 days old when he played for Ajax Cape Town in a cup game against Dynamos. Siwahla even scored in that match, setting another record as the youngest professional goal scorer in South Africa.  


Other young debutants include Steve Lekoelea, who featured for Moroka Swallows in 1994, and Kobamelo Kodisang, who played for Platinum Stars just days before turning 16. While some players have faced allegations of age discrepancies, no concrete proof has ever emerged.  

 

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