Durban City v AmaZulu May 2026
Betway Premiership outfit Durban City FC are set to bolster their squad with one of the brightest young prospects to emerge from the Northern Cape in recent years, the Siya crew has learnt.
According to sources close to the situation, Kimberley-born attacking talent Junior Papier is on the verge of completing a move to Durban City after impressing during a recent trial with the club.
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The Roodepan-raised youngster, who previously turned out for Gaza United FC, enjoyed an outstanding 2025/26 campaign and was rewarded with the Northern Cape ABC Motsepe League Best Young Player award.
A source with knowledge of the player’s progress believes Papier has the potential to become one of South African football’s next success stories.
“Junior is the next big thing in South African football. He has the talent, confidence and personality to make it at the highest level. He’s a special player,” the source told the Siya crew.
The same source drew comparisons with Northern Cape football icon Bradley Ralani, who went on to enjoy a successful professional career with clubs including Mamelodi Sundowns and Cape Town City after coming back from overseas.
“People from the Northern Cape will understand why we are excited. He reminds us of Bradley Ralani when he was coming through. Ralani showed that players from this province can reach the top, and Junior has that same belief and ability. Even today, you can see the football legacy continues through Bradley’s son, Emile Witbooi, who is doing well in the South African junior national teams,” the source said.
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The move represents another significant step in Papier’s rapidly rising career, having earned his opportunity after catching Durban City’s eye during trials.
If the deal is completed as expected, the gifted youngster will have the opportunity to test himself in the Betway Premiership and continue his development under the spotlight of Mzansi topflight football.
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Masebe Qina
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