Former Chelsea FC youth player Masilo Modubi has backed Cape Town City FC youngster Emile Witbooi to succeed during his trial at the English Premiership club.
The 16-year-old SA junior international is currently in London for his four-week assessment at the former UEFA Champions League winners – Chelsea.
Witbooi has been impressive for the CT City DDC side. He was also part of the South Africa Under-20 side that won the COSAFA U20 tournament and qualified for the U-20 AFCON next year.
Modubi himself also went through a similar experience at Chelsea in 2003. He secured a contract but was later loaned out to Westerlo in Belgium, where he made a name for himself.
WHAT MASILO MODUBI HAD TO SAY ON THE YOUNG CAPE TOWN CITY FC SENSATION
“If they take him, kudos [well done] to the boy; I mean, he can only dream even further. Hopefully, we will have someone from South Africa who will play for Chelsea,” Modubi told FARPost.
“We played for Chelsea but not at the level of Champions League and staff. We are rooting for him and want him to do well,” added the 39-year-old.
However, Modubi also says that regardless of the outcome of his trials at the club, Witbooi will come out as a better player from the whole trip.
“If he already has a week there, I think the people there already have an idea of whether they want him or not. Football has changed in a lot of ways. I am speaking from experience, and this is my opinion.
“I think this will help him understand the levels and standards of football in South Africa and Europe. If it doesn’t go well, they will tell him what went wrong and what he needs to improve,” he said.
“Remember, I also failed trials before, and when you leave, they tell you certain things that you need to work on. Then, it’s up to him to work on those things. Especially if he wants to get back to a level where he feels like he deserves to be.”
WHY THE CHELSEA TRIALS IS A WIN-WIN SITUATION FOR EMILE WITBOOI
“So I think for him it will be a win-win situation if he doesn’t make it, then there is a lot to take away. There is a lot of inspiration at that training ground,” the former Bafana Bafana midfielder added.
“He is going to meet people that he has only seen on TV, and I am sure he will meet stars so that he can ask questions and learn from them. I am sure he will also have an opportunity to go see Premier League games, Champions League or Conference League, where Chelsea is playing now, and he will be inspired.
“He is still young, and I am sure there is a lot that even if he doesn’t make it. There is a lot to improve, and still be a better player going forward.”
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