Relebohile Mofokeng’s fast start at Union proves Hugo Broos wrong again

Former Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has admitted he was surprised when Union Saint-Gilloise moved to sign Relebohile Mofokeng from Orlando Pirates, but the 21-year-old has quickly justified the Belgian club’s decision.

Mofokeng has scored four goals and supplied one assist in 11 appearances in all competitions this season, according to Transfermarket. In the Belgian Pro League, the South African international has three goals and one assist in 310 minutes.

His form has made him Union Saint-Gilloise’s second-highest league scorer during the 2026-27 campaign. His most recent appearance came in a 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad in the UEFA Europa League.

Broos, now 74, had previously suggested Mofokeng would need six months to adapt to Belgian football. The player has already challenged that assessment with his performances since joining Union.

Speaking to Het Nieuwsblad, Broos recalled learning about the club’s interest while South Africa were preparing for the World Cup.

“Union? Have they seen that boy yet?” Broos said, describing his immediate reaction.

The former South Africa national team coach said he was almost “off his chair” last summer when he discovered which Belgian side wanted to sign the Orlando Pirates winger.

His doubts were based not on a lack of appreciation for Mofokeng’s talent, but on his view of the type of player Union Saint-Gilloise generally recruited.

“We had just started preparing for the World Cup when I received a call from a contact in Belgium asking if Rele could go and undergo medical tests for a Belgian club,” Broos said.

“When I heard, after some persistence, that the Belgian club was Union, I honestly couldn’t believe it. With all due respect to the boy, because I know his qualities and I know what a fantastic footballer he is, but he is not exactly the type of player you often see at Union.”

Union Saint-Gilloise eventually completed the signing in July 2026. Mofokeng agreed a contract running until June 2030, with an option to extend it by a further year.

Orlando Pirates confirmed the agreement on 1 July, although the announcement was held back until after the World Cup so Mofokeng could concentrate on the tournament.

The move has since provided a rapid response to Broos’ earlier prediction. Mofokeng’s goals and assists have helped him establish himself in Union Saint-Gilloise’s attack and become a significant contributor in both domestic and European competition.