Bafana Bafana prospect Simon van Duivenbooden joins CT City

Cape Town City FC have announced the signing of Dutch striker Simon van Duivenbooden on a free transfer ahead of the 2025/26 Motsepe Foundation Championship season.

The 23-year-old forward, who holds both Netherlands and South African citizenship, joins the Citizens after leaving his former club, Vitesse Arnhem, in July 2025.

Van Duivenbooden’s South African heritage—he was born to a South African father—makes him eligible to represent Bafana Bafana. He was previously included in a preliminary squad by coach Hugo Broos, and this move to South Africa could provide Broos with an opportunity to observe him more closely.

Van Duivenbooden is the third new player unveiled by the Jan Vreman-coached side this week. The club also announced the acquisitions of former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Sifiso Ngobeni and Dutch goalkeeper Mickey van der Hart from SC Heerenveen.

“We’re delighted to announce the signing of Dutch striker, Simon van Duivenbooden. Welcome home, Simon,” reads the club statement released on Friday.

First day as a Citizen for Simon 🥶🙌 pic.twitter.com/macH0jArRA

— Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) August 8, 2025

The club, which was relegated from the Betway Premiership last season, is aiming to strengthen its squad to push for automatic promotion. They finished 15th in the top-flight and then third in the PSL Promotional/Relegation Playoffs, which saw Orbit College FC gain promotion.

In addition to their new signings, Cape Town City FC has parted ways with nine players, including notable names like Thabo Nodada, Thamsanqa Mkhize, and Darren Keet. The new season is scheduled to begin on Friday, August 22, 2025.