Relebohile Mofokeng is wasting no time making his mark in Belgium.
The former Orlando Pirates youngster has enjoyed a sensational opening to the campaign with Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, and his latest performance has once again put his name in the spotlight.
Mofokeng found the back of the net as Union SG cruised to a convincing 5-0 victory over Lommel SK, taking his tally to three Belgian Pro League goals from his opening appearances.
Mofokeng finding his rhythm
The 21-year-old attacking midfielder opened the scoring early in the match, continuing what has been an impressive start to life in European football.
His ability to operate between the lines, create opportunities and contribute goals was already well established during his time in South Africa. However, his early performances in Belgium suggest that he is adapting quickly to the demands of European football.
Mofokeng also played an important role in Union SG’s Belgian Super Cup triumph earlier in the season, converting the decisive penalty during the shootout victory over Club Brugge.
That combination of confidence and consistency will be encouraging for both the player and his new club.
From Orlando Pirates to Belgium
Mofokeng left Orlando Pirates after an impressive 2025/26 campaign in which he reportedly contributed 10 goals and eight assists in 27 league appearances.
His departure represented another important step in the development of a player who had emerged through the Pirates system and established himself as one of South Africa’s most exciting young talents.
The move to Union SG gives Mofokeng an opportunity to test himself against a different style of football while gaining valuable experience on the European stage.
So far, he appears to be taking that opportunity with both hands.
Could Mofokeng become a bigger Bafana Bafana figure?
His performances in Belgium could also strengthen his case for a more prominent role with Bafana Bafana.
South Africa continues to look towards the next generation of attacking talent, and Mofokeng’s ability to produce goals and assists from midfield makes him an intriguing option.
The challenge now is consistency.
One impressive run of matches can generate plenty of excitement, but maintaining that level throughout an entire European campaign will be the real test.
Are Orlando Pirates watching?
For Orlando Pirates supporters, Mofokeng’s rapid progress will be particularly interesting.
The Soweto giants helped provide the platform for the youngster to establish himself before his European move. Seeing him now make an immediate impact abroad will naturally generate pride among the club’s supporters.
Whether Pirates could ever bring him back is a different question entirely. For now, the focus should arguably be on allowing the young star to continue developing and making the most of his European opportunity.
The bigger picture
Mofokeng’s early-season form is another reminder of the growing pathway between South African football and European leagues.
For the player himself, the priority will be to remain focused, stay healthy and continue improving.
If he can maintain his current trajectory, his performances in Belgium could open the door to even bigger opportunities in European football — while potentially making him an increasingly important figure for Bafana Bafana.
For now, however, the message is simple: Relebohile Mofokeng has made an eye-catching start in Belgium, and South African football is watching closely.
