Campbell backs Mofokeng to become South African star in Europe

South Africa Under-23 attacker Shandre Campbell believes Relebohile Mofokeng is destined for major success in European football after making an impressive start to his career in Belgium.

Mofokeng joined Union Saint-Gilloise from Orlando Pirates and has quickly made an impact, with his performances reportedly attracting interest from French club Lille and Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen.

The Bafana Bafana midfielder, known as ‘The President’, has also been nominated for the October Player of the Month award by Belgian publication LesSports+. He is competing for the prize with Club Brugge pair Nicolo Tresoldi and Carlos Forbs.

Campbell was speaking before Saturday afternoon’s SA Under-23 Olympic Games qualifier first leg against Madagascar at Lucas Moripe Stadium.

The former SuperSport United winger, who moved from Club Brugge to KV Kortrijk before the 2026/27 season, said Mofokeng’s ability and attitude had helped him settle quickly in Europe.

“Rele is a very talented player, he is that one in the crop that you know he’s going to be special, he adapted quickly in Europe, he is doing wonderfully. He was nominated for Player of the Month. I hope he wins, he is a talented player, he is scoring and assisting,” Campbell told Journalists at the SA U23 training base at the University of Pretoria.

Campbell, 21, identified Mofokeng’s humility as another key reason for his progress and said his compatriot could continue to develop into one of South Africa’s leading players in Europe.

“And most importantly he is remaining humble which is what is leading him to this success. I feel like he’s just going to grow bigger and bigger and become a big South African player (in Europe),” Campbell continued.

Mofokeng’s progress has also made him an example to members of the Under-23 squad, according to Campbell, who said the midfielder’s journey had earned the respect of his peers.

“A lot of people, even I look up to him, a lot of us here in the Under-23 look up to him because they see where he is at and how he got there. I think he is doing wonderfully and he is going to keep prospering in Europe,” the Kortrijk foward added.