Belgian champions Royale Union Saint-Gilloise are expected to complete the signing of South African sensation Relebohile Mofokeng in the coming days, with the Orlando Pirates midfielder set to arrive in Belgium to finalise a four-year contract after giving the club the green light over personal terms, per multiple reports across Europe and South Africa.
The 20-year-old heads to Europe fresh from representing South Africa national football team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Bafana Bafana reached the Round of 32 before bowing out to Canada. His performances over the last three seasons have established him as one of Africa’s brightest young attacking talents and one of the standout products of South African football.
Born in Sharpeville, Mofokeng began his football journey at the renowned Transnet School of Excellence, a breeding ground for several South African internationals. He later joined the Orlando Pirates Development Academy in 2021, quickly rising through the DStv Diski Challenge ranks before earning promotion to the senior team in 2023.
Since making his first-team breakthrough, the attacking midfielder has become indispensable for Orlando Pirates. Across all competitions, he has amassed well over 100 senior appearances, contributing more than 25 goals while also establishing himself as one of the club’s leading creators. Reports indicate he leaves the Buccaneers after making 89 appearances, scoring 18 goals and providing 22 assists before the transfer agreement with Union Saint-Gilloise.
Mofokeng’s rise has been matched by impressive silverware. During his spell with Orlando Pirates, he helped the Soweto giants win the Nedbank Cup, three consecutive MTN8 titles and the Carling Knockout Cup. Individually, he scooped the South African Premiership Young Player of the Season award in 2024 and was also named the Nedbank Cup Most Promising Player of the Tournament, underlining his status as one of the country’s elite emerging talents.
On the international stage, Mofokeng first featured for South Africa’s Under-20 side at the 2022 COSAFA U-20 Championship before earning his senior debut in 2024. He has since become a regular under coach Hugo Broos, scoring his maiden international goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and cementing his place in the national team setup.
His impending move to Union Saint-Gilloise represents another significant export from the Betway Premiership to Europe, with the Belgian champions investing in one of the continent’s most exciting young playmakers as they prepare for another domestic title defence and UEFA Champions League campaign.
