Emile Witbooi Former Mamelodi Sundowns star Bradley Ralani says he was released by Cape Town Spurs after his highly rated son Emile Witbooi joined rivals Cape Town City. Photo: Cape Town City on Facebook
Image: Photo: Cape Town City on Facebook
Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Cape Town Spurs star Bradley Ralani made some startling claims in a chat with Andile Ncube on Metro FM's Sports Nite Amplified earlier this week.
According to the 37-year-old Ralani, who now turns out for Hungry Lions from the Northern Cape, he was released by Spurs after his highly-rated teenage son, Emile Witbooi, signed for Cape Town City.
Young Witbooi is a special talent. Earlier this season, he spent some time on trial with Premier League giants Chelsea. The youngster has the football world at his feet, and it's no surprise that a number of clubs were fighting for his signature.
With Ralani on the books of Spurs, club bosses expected Witbooi to sign for them. But when he signed for their fierce rivals, they were not happy.
In the radio interview, Ralani said: “When the new coach [Ernst Middendorp] came, I played a few matches, and there was a rumour about my son joining Cape Town City, and management at Spurs was not happy.
“The coach called the meeting with senior players, and out of the blue, the coach mentioned how the board is not happy with my son being at Cape Town City, but I’m playing for Spurs."
If Ralani's claim is true, and Spurs released him for sending his son to Cape Town City, then that is unfortunate and shines light on the poor treatment of players by some clubs. It is not a good look for the local game, and especially not for the Efstathiou brothers Alexi and Ari, who own the club.
This is a club that already find themselves embroiled in the much publicised transfer saga involving 22-year-old Asenele Velebayi.
When approached for a response by IOL Sport, Cape Town Spurs said they would not comment on the claims by Ralani.
*This story has been updated to include Cape Town Spurs' reply for comment.
IOL Sport