Relebohile Mofokeng making early impact at Royale Union Saint-Gilloise

Three months after joining Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, Relebohile Mofokeng is already making a strong impression in Belgium, offering further evidence of South Africa’s ability to produce footballers capable of succeeding at the highest level.

The 21-year-old moved from Orlando Pirates to the Belgian club in July in a deal reportedly worth €3 million (around R56m). He has scored three goals in five starts for USG, who currently lead the Belgian Pro League.

Mofokeng began his league scoring account in his first start, finding the net during USG’s 5-1 win over Westerlo on 8 August. He scored again in the 3-0 victory against Sint-Truidense on 2 September before adding a third goal in the 2-0 win over Lommel SK on 12 September.

His performances have contributed to USG’s position at the summit of the Belgian table, where they sit ahead of Gent on goal difference.

The former Orlando Pirates player also made an immediate contribution before the league campaign. On his competitive debut, he scored the decisive penalty as USG defeated Club Brugge in a shootout in the Belgian Super Cup.

Mofokeng spent his entire senior career in the PSL before leaving South Africa. The transfer required him to settle in a new country, adjust to a different football culture and understand fresh responsibilities within a team with ambitions at home and in Europe.

USG are among Belgium’s leading sides, meaning the expectations surrounding Mofokeng’s move were significant. The pressure to perform for his new club was at least comparable to the demands he faced while playing for Pirates.

His progress in Belgium also has consequences at international level. Mofokeng will be seeking to establish himself further in the Bafana Bafana set-up, with the national team entering an important period of continental competition.

Pitso Mosimane, who inherited a side built by Hugo Broos around the 2026 World Cup, has included Mofokeng in the final squad for the 2027 AFCON qualifier against Guinea on 26 September.

For the new Bafana coach, having a player performing regularly in Europe provides a valuable option ahead of the match. For Mofokeng, the fixture offers another opportunity to demonstrate his development after moving abroad.

His start at Royale Union Saint-Gilloise gives him a platform to support the club’s challenge at the top of the Belgian Pro League, justify the reported €3 million fee and strengthen his claim within the South African national team.