Why Kaizer Chiefs turned down chance to sign teen World Cup star

Kaizer Chiefs have been taking a look at Amajimbos and Cape Town City star Emile Witbooi. However, they’re not the only ones.

Premier League giants Chelsea also took the 17-year-old attacking midfielder on trial.

Why did Chiefs drop their interest in the talented Amajimbos star?

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Kaizer Chiefs drop interest in Amajimbos star Emile Witbooi

Chiefs took Witbooi on trial when he was still 16, but the Cape Town City star’s physique was a concern for the technical staff at Naturena. Witbooi’s father, ex-Sundowns star Surprise Ralani, had this to say:

“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,” Ralani said.

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

Loan spell with Chelsea

Witbooi then went on loan to London giants Chelsea at the start of 2025-2025. The Blues wanted Witbooi on their U18 roster, but City chairman John Comitis revealed that a concrete offer didn’t materialise.

Witbooi’s stock rises as Amajimbos get noticed

Witbooi has starred for South Africa’s U17 side at the World Cup in Qatar. Amajimbos have secured qualification for the knockout stages despite a 3-1 defeat to Italy in their final group game. Witbooi scored in their first match against Bolivia, a 3-1 win.

Kaizer Chiefs aim to keep their solid run going

Next up for the Glamour Boys is a trip to Magesi on Saturday, 22 November, with kickoff at 18:00, followed by a home battle with Golden Arrows on Sunday, the 20th. After that, it’s a trip to Chippa on 3 December. There’s a whopping 55 days to wait until their next assignment, a trip to Marumo Gallants on 27 January 2026. Chiefs have won their last two league matches and are unbeaten in five. Flavio Silva seems to have found his feet, too.

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