Relebohile Mofokeng scores on Belgian league debut for Union Saint-Gilloise

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Relebohile Mofokeng scored four minutes after coming off the bench as Union Saint-Gilloise defeated Westerlo 5-1 in their Belgian Jupiler Pro League opener.

Mofokeng was introduced in the 60th minute, with Union Saint-Gilloise holding a 2-1 lead, and quickly made an impact by scoring his side’s third goal.

The 21-year-old had already enjoyed a memorable week after converting the decisive penalty in the Belgian Super Cup against champions Club Brugge. His spot-kick secured the trophy for Union Saint-Gilloise and established him as one of the central figures in their victory.

He was an unused substitute in Union Saint-Gilloise’s UEFA Champions League qualifying first-leg match against Bodo/Glimt, which ended 3-3. However, he returned to the field from the bench for the club’s opening league fixture and needed only four minutes to register his first Jupiler Pro League goal.

Westerlo made the brighter start and took the lead after 13 minutes. Union Saint-Gilloise levelled through Promise David after 28 minutes, leaving the sides tied at half-time.

Raul Florucz then put Union Saint-Gilloise ahead after 57 minutes, just before Mofokeng entered the match. The South African quickly extended the advantage, scoring to make it 3-1.

Guilherme Smith added a fourth goal in the 81st minute, while Darius Olaru completed the scoring three minutes later as Union Saint-Gilloise finished with a convincing victory.

The appearance marked Mofokeng’s first league outing for the Belgian club and continued an impressive run of contributions since his move from Orlando Pirates. His penalty in the Super Cup had secured silverware against Club Brugge, and his immediate goal in the league has given him another significant moment at the beginning of the new campaign.

Mofokeng’s involvement has so far come largely from the substitutes’ bench. He did not feature in the Champions League qualifier against Bodo/Glimt, despite being named among the replacements, but was called upon in the league after 60 minutes with Union Saint-Gilloise already in front.

His response was immediate. The forward found the net before Westerlo could build any momentum, helping turn a narrow advantage into a commanding lead. Further goals from Smith and Olaru then completed the rout and ensured Union Saint-Gilloise began their league campaign with a five-goal performance.