WATCH: Mofokeng shows Mosimane what to expect with fine debut Europa League goal

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WATCH: Mofokeng shows Mosimane what to expect with fine debut Europa League goal
Relebohile Mofokeng scores for Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in the Europa League. Image: Imago

Relebohile Mofokeng marked his return to the national team in style, scoring his debut UEFA Europa League goal as Royale Union Saint-Gilloise secured a 3-0 victory over Viktoria Plzen on Thursday.

The 21-year-old’s memorable day began with his inclusion in Pitso Mosimane’s final Bafana squad ahead of the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Hours later, he found the net in the Czech Republic, helping his Belgian side kick off their European campaign with a convincing win.

Relebohile Mofokeng after scoring for Royale Union Saint-Gilloise against Viktoria Plzen.
Relebohile Mofokeng after scoring for Royale Union Saint-Gilloise against Viktoria Plzen. Image: Imago

Making his first start in the competition, Mofokeng made his mark after 17 minutes. The former Orlando Pirates star made a good run into the box to get on the end of a long ball that was floated just behind the Plzen defence.

Mofokeng shows strength before scoring

While some have suggested he needs to bulk up to play in Belgium, Mofokeng showed great strength to fend off two defenders before slicing the ball in the net in fine fashion.

This goal continues a strong start for Mofokeng in Belgium following his transfer from Pirates. He has already netted three goals in five league matches and played a key role in Union SG’s Belgian Super Cup triumph over Club Brugge, where he scored the winning penalty in the shootout.

Relebohile Mofokeng savaours his debut Europa League goal for Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.
Relebohile Mofokeng savaours his debut Europa League goal for Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. Image: Imago

His latest strike was part of a dominant team performance, with Plzen’s defense, including Slovak international Denis Vavro, finding it difficult to handle the dynamic South African attacker.

The goal capped a significant day for Mofokeng, who had earlier received strong endorsement from Mosimane upon his squad selection.

Mosimane’s high praise for Bafana star

The Bafana Bafana coach praised the young player’s versatility and ability to adapt to various tactical roles.

Relebohile Mofokeng had a scoring Europa League debut for Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.
Relebohile Mofokeng had a scoring Europa League debut for Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. Image: Imago

“I don’t know if the coach did not believe in him. I have to go with what is right,” Mosimane said, addressing Mofokeng’s evolving roles on Thursday.

“Remember at Orlando Amstel Arena we used to see him playing as a winger, suddenly he is a 10 in a 4-2-3-1 formation. So the boy shows us he can play in different formations and wherever he has been playing, he’s been scoring or assisting.”

While primarily used as a winger by former Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro, Mofokeng has been deployed in multiple positions. Union SG coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has used him on the flanks and as a number 10, a central role also favoured by former Bafana coach Hugo Broos.

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a sports journalist covering South Africa, with 16 years in sports media and a Bachelor's Degree in Communication. Focused on football analysis and responsible gambling, his work has appeared on GOAL and Pulse Sports Kenya, and he is a regular football analyst on TV and radio.

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