Shandre Campbell: Relebohile Mofokeng hailed as inspiration for South Africa U23s

South Africa international Shandre Campbell has praised Relebohile Mofokeng’s rapid progress in Europe, saying the Royale Union SG forward has become a role model for many members of the national Under-23 side.

Mofokeng, 22, joined the Belgian Pro League club at the beginning of the current campaign and has made an immediate impact, scoring five goals and providing four assists in all competitions.

Campbell was speaking before South Africa’s 2028 Olympic qualifier against Madagascar. He said Mofokeng had shown the qualities needed to succeed abroad and predicted that his team-mate would continue to develop into an important player for his country.

“Yeah Rele is a very talented player,” Campbell said.

“He is that one in the crop that you know is going to be special and he adapted quickly in Europe. He’s doing wonderful. He’s going to win Player of the Month, I hope he does. He’s a talented player.”

Campbell has been playing in Belgium since the 2024/25 season. He spent two campaigns with Club Brugge before moving to KV Kortrijk in the latest transfer window.

The 19-year-old said Mofokeng’s performances were made even more impressive by the way he had remained grounded since moving overseas.

“He’s scoring, he’s assisting but most important he’s remaining humble, which is what’s leading him to his success,” Campbell said.

“And I feel like he’s just going to grow bigger and bigger and become a big South African player for South Africans.”

Mofokeng’s form has also made an impression on his fellow young internationals. Campbell said the players involved with the Amaglug-glug squad took encouragement from the path Mofokeng had followed and the level he had reached in Europe.

“And a lot of people even I look up to him. A lot of us here in the U23 [team] look up to him because they see where he is at and how he got there,” he said.

South Africa’s Under-23 players are preparing for the Olympic qualifying meeting with Madagascar, while Campbell believes Mofokeng’s adjustment to Belgian football is only the beginning of his progress.

“And I think he’s doing wonderful and he’s going to keep prospering in Europe.”