Cape Town City coach Muhsin Ertugral is adamant he will not be throwing 16-year-old Emile Witbooi into the deep end and wants to protect the youngster as he makes his first steps into the professional game.
Witbooi, who has already played for South Africa’s under-20 team, became the ninth youngest player to debut in the professional ranks in South Africa when he came on as substitute against AmaZulu last Sunday and got game time again on Wednesday for City as they drew 1-1 with TS Galaxy at the Athlone Stadium in the Betway Premiership.
A night to remember for our 16-year-old Emile Witbooi, who made his home debut last night 💫🔵#iamCityFC pic.twitter.com/pVh37v4zub
— Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) March 6, 2025
“We are speaking about a 16-year-old boy. Yes, he is extremely talented but I’ve always taken care of youngsters throughout all my career in South Africa,” said Ertugral.
“Do you think that if it was possible to bring the boy on for, let me say, 45 minutes, I wouldn't do that? Obviously the fans will be very excited, because he has certain elements which are very, very good, but you must be careful if you are going to play a 16-year-old boy in a high intensity game.”
Ertugral said he felt responsible to protect Witbooi, who is the son of Surprise Ralani and long been earmarked as a star of the future.
“We're speaking about a 16-year-old in a man's world at the moment. Yes, he has an unbelievable talent. And we will give him more time and he will get better.
“But now we need to give him sometimes 10, sometimes 15, sometimes five minutes. We need to be very, very careful.
“I know I would love to see the boy in the line-up soon rather than later, but his heart rate was very high and I have also a certain responsibility to the kid. He will probably be one of the best players that we ever produce in South Africa.
“Give him a bit of time, please,” Ertugral pleaded.