Emile Witbooi: Cape Town reveal Bayern invitation amid stalled Pirates deal

Cape Town City chairman John Comitis has addressed speculation surrounding teenage star Emile Witbooi, confirming there are no formal offers from clubs like Orlando Pirates but revealing an invitation from German powerhouse Bayern Munich.

Witbooi, 17, has drawn significant attention after being named the Player’s Player of the Season in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. His standout performances reportedly caught the eye of Pirates, though it was suggested that his transfer fee may have deterred the Soweto giants.

However, Comitis clarified that price would not be the main obstacle in negotiations with a top local club.

“I don’t think that’s where we’re going to get stuck with either Pirates or Sundowns,” Comitis stated in an interview with Andile Ncube on Sports Night Amplified as quoted by iDiski Times. “I will always find a way to make a deal happen. I don’t think that’s the issue here.”

Cape Town set tough conditions

The chairman emphasised that the primary concern for any potential move is ensuring the young talent gets regular playing time to continue his development.

“I think it’s a case of – are they wanting the player now? For him to go there and not play is not the right thing in my opinion. He’s got to go there and play,” Comitis explained. “Is he going to play? Those are the things that we are worrying about.”

Comitis stressed that a move to another Premier Soccer League (PSL) club would only be sanctioned if Witbooi is guaranteed a significant role, warning that a lack of minutes would be a step backward for his career.

“If he goes to a PSL club, he’s got to play, otherwise he’s going to go backwards,” he continued. “So is it the right time for him to go now? We need to debate that, but there is nothing to talk about now because there are not any offers.”

Bayern invitation for Emile Witbooi

He also highlighted the risk of a last-minute transfer, which could leave Cape Town City without a key playmaker as they prepare their own title challenge.

While local interest remains speculative, Comitis confirmed that Witbooi is on the radar of international clubs. He mentioned that Major League Soccer (MLS) teams have made enquiries and, most notably, that an invitation has arrived from Bayern Munich.

“We’ve 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 which level he has to be reaching,” Comitis revealed.

This follows previous experiences for the youngster at top European clubs. “He’s been on trial at Chelsea, so he’s seen the best. He went to Sporting Lisbon by a request,” the chairman added, underscoring the high-level exposure the player has already received.