Promising South African talent Emile Witbooi, son of former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Surprise Ralani, has signed with Roc Nation Sports International, the global agency founded by Jay-Z.

Witbooi, currently training with Cape Town City’s senior team, joins a prestigious roster of athletes represented by the agency, including South African rugby icon and Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, who led his team to two Rugby World Cup victories.

Roc Nation provides comprehensive on- and off-field management for its clients, who include prominent names like Kevin De Bruyne, Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe, former Netball SA captain Bongi Msomi, Real Madrid and Brazil stars Vinícius Júnior and Endrick, Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli, Idrissa Gana Gueye, and former Springbok prop Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira, a member of the 2019 World Cup-winning squad.

The agency has high hopes for Witbooi, who has been delivering impressive performances in SAFA’s junior leagues.

“Emile Witbooi is one of the brightest young stars in South African sport,” Roc Nation Sports stated on its website. “He has quickly risen through the local football ranks in recent seasons, with the 16-year-old’s natural talent, work ethic, and playmaking ability having captured the attention of scouts and fans alike. On top of his outstanding performances for Cape Town City, the attacking midfielder has impressed for South Africa’s under-15 and under-20 teams.”

Luphumlo Sifumba also joined the international agency sometime last year, before he left Cape Town City to Vizela.

The 16-year-old previously trained with English Premier League side Chelsea last year after impressing with the national under-15 team in 2023, as well as in the DDC League for City and the national under-20s, where he helped South Africa qualify for the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Witbooi, yet to make his senior debut for the Citizens, recently represented Amajimbos at the COSAFA U17 Boys Youth Championship, where South Africa reached the semifinals.