Cape Town City have confirmed the signing of Belgian youth international and former Manchester United trialist Keith Groeneveld.
The 19-year-old centre back, who was born in South Africa, joins City from Belgian Pro League outfit Standard Liege, and the club will look to complete his registration immediately as they aim for a final push for the Absa Premiership title.
Groeneveld signed his first professional contract in Liege at the age of just 16 after turning down a deal with English Premier League side Arsenal, and his agent told SoccerLaduma that Benni McCarthy played a vital role in the move.
The next generation is here, welcome Keith Groeneveld 🔥#iamCityFC 💙#KeithGroeneveld 🇧🇪🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/xdNbdxTa6V
— Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) April 9, 2019
‘Look, there was a lot of interest in Keith from both overseas and here in South Africa, but when he visited Cape Town City, spent time with Benni McCarthy and heard about their project, he decided where he wanted to be playing,’ said Siyavuma Sports Group, the player’s agency.
‘We all thought it was the right time for him to start playing senior football, and we’re excited to see him back at home after many years abroad, and he can’t wait to get started with his new club.’
📝 | Cape Town City is delighted to announce the signing of 19y Belgian-South African youth international Keith Groeneveld from Standard Liège. The towering defender signs a 5 year deal with the club 💙#iamCityFC 🔥 #KeithGroeneveld 🇧🇪🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/8unqepSXyo
— Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) April 9, 2019
The player was allowed to make the switch outside of the transfer window after Standard and the player came to an agreement in January to change his professional status.
The Kimberley-born player has been playing for Standard’s U21s in Belgium and can also play as a holding midfielder.
Groeneveld is also eligible to play for South Africa, and has been named in Thabo Senong’s provisional squad for the U20 World Cup this year in Poland.
