In Brussels, where Union Saint-Gilloise have made a habit of spotting opportunity beyond the established European routes, Relebohile Mofokeng’s first weeks have quickly turned a long-term signing into one of the season’s early stories. The 21-year-old South African arrived after a World Cup summer that raised his profile, and has started his Belgian adventure with three league goals, one assist and a goal on his Europa League debut.
A record move from Orlando to Union
Mofokeng left Orlando Pirates in a deal worth about €3.5 million, a record outgoing transfer for a player from a South African club. He committed himself to Union Saint-Gilloise until June 2030, with a clause allowing the agreement to be extended by another year.
The two clubs had reached their agreement before the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. They chose not to publicise it during the tournament, allowing the player to concentrate on South Africa’s campaign rather than the transfer market. That restraint proved timely: major international tournaments regularly bring previously overlooked players into wider view, and Mofokeng’s appearance on that stage strengthened the sense that Union had moved early.
- Transfer fee: approximately €3.5 million.
- Previous club: Orlando Pirates.
- New club: Union Saint-Gilloise.
- Contract: through June 2030, plus a possible one-season extension.
- Significance: the biggest sale involving a footballer from a South African team.
A forward moving closer to goal
His early return in Belgium has exceeded the usual expectations placed on a young player crossing continents. In six league appearances, Mofokeng has scored three times and supplied an assist. He also found the net in his first Europa League outing, adding an immediate European marker to his start at the club.
Mofokeng can work from either flank, but he has increasingly looked most comfortable in central areas, playing close to a main striker. The move into a second-forward role allows him to combine in tight spaces, carry the ball at opponents and arrive nearer the penalty area.
That is the latest step in an evolution that had already begun in Johannesburg. He initially featured largely as a winger at Orlando Pirates, then took on more responsibility as an attacking midfielder over the following season. With each adjustment, he played nearer the box; in Belgium, that development has continued.
Small frame, rapid feet
At roughly 1.66 metres, Mofokeng plays with a low centre of gravity and sharp acceleration. Once he begins a dribble, he is difficult to dispossess, particularly when he can turn and run into open ground. His speed of execution and ability to anticipate contact help him make up for a physical disadvantage against larger defenders.
There remains room for growth. Building his strength is an important part of the next phase, because direct body-to-body confrontations can expose the limits of his frame. Height alone has never ruled out greatness in football, but Mofokeng will need to keep using movement, timing and quick decisions to win those encounters on his own terms.
- He offers versatility on the right or left, while increasingly operating centrally.
- His preferred current role appears to be as a supporting striker.
- Close control, balance and explosive bursts are central to his game.
- Physical development will be key as he adapts to the pace and contact of European football.
Sharpeville roots and a changing name
There is also a personal thread behind the name now appearing on Union teamsheets. Born in Sharpeville, he first used his mother’s surname, Ratomo, after joining Orlando Pirates. During the 2023/24 season, he began using Mofokeng, his father’s surname.
Now known widely as “Rele”, he has become a source of pride for those close to him and for South African football more broadly. His route from Sharpeville and Orlando Pirates to a rapidly productive opening in Belgium is still at an early stage, but the World Cup, the record transfer and his first European goals have already given it unusual momentum.
