Mofokeng has proved Broos wrong, says Kenya coach McCarthy

Kenya coach Benni McCarthy says Relebohile Mofokeng has already disproved Hugo Broos’ doubts by adapting quickly to life in the Belgian Pro League.

The 21-year-old attacking midfielder joined Royal Union Saint-Gilloise from Orlando Pirates in July, shortly after impressing for Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Broos, who retired from coaching after the tournament, had suggested Mofokeng would need at least six months to adjust to European football and the physical demands of the Belgian game.

Mofokeng has instead made an immediate impact. He has featured regularly, scored goals and provided assists, while also recording the most chances created in the early stages of the UEFA Europa League – 15 in four matches.

“The best compliment I can give to the boy is that he proved Hugo Broos wrong,” McCarthy said in an interview with SportyTV.

“Broos was critical of him thinking that he was too small and won’t be up to European standards. He’s gone there and proven him wrong with four goals and a couple of assists so early is the best.

“He has proved the biggest critic wrong and that’s what I am proud of the most. It shows he is South African and he is a survivor.

“You can put him in an uncomfortable situation and he comes out on top. He just has to continue working hard and keep on believing in himself.”

Mofokeng’s form has continued beyond the Europa League. Across 17 appearances in all competitions, he has scored five goals and registered four assists.

His performances have reportedly attracted interest from Bayer Leverkusen and SC Freiburg in Germany, LOSC Lille in France and Brighton & Hove Albion in England.

Europa League opportunity

Royal Union Saint-Gilloise did not qualify for the Champions League but are competing in the Europa League, a campaign McCarthy believes can help Mofokeng’s development.

“Unfortunately they did not make it for the Champions League but they are in the Europa League. This is a great stepping stone for him,” he said.

The club’s domestic ambitions also provide Mofokeng with a platform to continue testing himself at the highest level of Belgian football.

“He plays for a team that is always in the hunt for the [Belgian] title,” added McCarthy.

Mofokeng’s start in Belgium has therefore come much sooner than Broos anticipated, with his scoring, chance creation and involvement in goals helping him establish himself after moving from Orlando Pirates.