Mofokeng makes fast start to European career with Union SG

Relebohile Mofokeng has wasted little time adapting to European football, scoring twice in his first five appearances for Royale Union Saint-Gilloise since leaving Orlando Pirates.

The 21-year-old’s latest goal has strengthened the early impression that he is settling quickly in Belgium and beginning to transfer the qualities that made him one of the most exciting young players in the Betway Premiership.

Mofokeng’s start is notable given the scale of the challenge facing him. At Pirates, he had become one of the club’s most influential attacking players, operating in familiar surroundings and a league he knew well.

His move to Royale Union Saint-Gilloise has brought a different set of demands. He has had to adjust to a new country, a new tactical environment and stronger competition for places, while also learning the level of consistency required in European football.

The early signs have been positive.

Mofokeng’s willingness to carry the ball, take on defenders and create chances was already clear during his time with Pirates. The key question was whether he could reproduce those strengths after stepping up to a different level.

Scoring twice in five appearances indicates that the transition is beginning to take shape.

The next challenge will be to maintain that progress. Mofokeng will be looking to build on his encouraging introduction, produce regular performances and establish himself as a significant attacking option for Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.

Those developments will provide a more meaningful assessment of his transfer than his early goals alone.

His form will also be monitored closely by South Africa. Mofokeng already has international experience and was involved in Bafana Bafana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, giving him an established place in the national-team picture as Pitso Mosimane begins a new era.

Consistent playing time and strong displays in Belgium could improve his standing further.

At 21, Mofokeng has considerable time to develop. Regular football in Europe could help him become accustomed to the tactical detail and intensity that accompany the game at that level, further influencing the way he plays.

For now, his attention is on making an impression at Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. Two goals in his first five appearances represent an encouraging beginning for a player taking his first steps in Europe.

Mofokeng left Orlando Pirates in search of a fresh challenge. His opening performances suggest he is responding positively to it.