Relebohile Mofokeng makes rapid impact in Belgium despite Hugo Broos fitness warning

Relebohile Mofokeng has made an immediate impression at Royal Union Saint Gilloise FC, despite former Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos predicting the young midfielder would need at least six months to reach the physical level required for Belgian football.

Mofokeng moved to the Belgian club in July after an outstanding 2025/2026 campaign with Orlando Pirates, scoring 10 goals and providing eight assists in 27 matches.

His form in the Betway Premiership also secured him a place in the Bafana Bafana squad that recently participated in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is currently being held in the United States of America, Mexico and Canada.

Broos raised concerns about Mofokeng’s readiness for the demands of the Jupiler Pro League while speaking to the media at OR Tambo International Airport in July.

“I think it’s a good thing for him. I think he will progress, I also think that we don’t expect that from the first day he will play because Rele has to be stronger. It’s a very tough competition in Belgium, so I think the first five, six months they will put him in the fitness [programme] to get him a little bit stronger. And he’s a talented player so once he have the power [he becomes stronger] that he need for the competition there will be no problem I think,” Broos said.

Mofokeng has since defied that expected adaptation period, featuring in five of RUSG’s opening six league matches as the club sit at the top of the table. He has scored three goals during that run.

The Sharpeville-born player has also taken part in European and domestic cup fixtures. He appeared in RUSG’s UEFA Champions League qualification defeat by Bodø/Glimt and played in the Belgian Supercup victory over Club Brugge.

Broos’ remarks were intended to encourage patience while Mofokeng adjusted to the physical demands of Belgian football, rather than question his ability or potential.

The 19-year-old is instead settling quickly into his new surroundings and continuing to earn the confidence of both his team-mates and head coach David Hubert.

His involvement at the start of the season suggests he has adapted faster than Broos anticipated, with his goalscoring contribution adding to the early impact he has made at one of the Jupiler Pro League’s leading clubs.