Cape Town City star pushing for Orlando Pirates transfer

Orlando Pirates could be set for a significant transfer boost following reports that a highly-rated youngster wants to join them.

Pirates have been the busiest PSL side in the transfer market so far and according to latest reports, they could pull off a major coup.

SoccerBeat reports that Cape Town City midfielder Emile Witbooi is determined to play for them and is yet to report to camp after making up his mind to leave the club.

Pirates interested in Cape Town star

“Pirates are believed to be interested, but have yet to meet City’s valuation. City would prefer to keep the youngster until he turns 18 and secure a move to Europe, although they remain open to a sale for the right price,” the outlet said of the situation of the 17-year-old.

Witbooi is one of the most exciting young players in South Africa and has continued to dazzle with his immense talent attracting scouts from Premier League club Chelsea, who offered him a one-month trial in 2024.

He signed for the esteemed Roc Nation Sports agency early last year in what is a major boost in the young footballer’s career.

The teen sensation linked up with the agency, founded by American rap star and entrepreneur Jay-Z, with a number of big-name footballers on the roster among them Belgium playmaker Kevin De Bruyne, Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr and Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli.

🚨 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆! ☠️💙

SoccerBeat understands that Emile Witbooi is pushing for a move to Orlando Pirates after failing to report for Cape Town City's pre-season and removing all traces of the club from his social media accounts. 😮

Pirates are believed to be interested, but… pic.twitter.com/ImZZznpTfT

— SoccerBeat (@SoccerBeatZA) July 7, 2026

Bucs legend backed Witbooi

Witbooi is believed to feel that a transfer to Pirates would accelerate his dream move abroad and the latest development comes three months after club legend Lebohang Mokoena named him as the ideal replacement for Relebohile Mofokeng who has since left the Soweto giants for Belgium.

“He’s come through those structures and also, he is a well-developed player so you are going to get something out of that player as he grows and matures,” Mokoena said of Witbooi in April.

“So, a suitable replacement for Rele because Witbooi is also a player that if you also give him that free role, get into those spaces, he is very tricky, skillful he can score goals and crowd favourite.”