Mofokeng shares main reason behind Belgian move and when he was approached

Bafana Bafana international Relebohile Mofokeng has revealed that his move to Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise was secured with three games still remaining in the previous season.

The talented attacker, who was instrumental in Orlando Pirates’ title-winning campaign that ended a 14-year wait, had been the subject of transfer speculation for several years. However, he waited for an opportunity that was the right fit for him, his family and the club.

Speaking in an interview on Metro FM’s Sports Night Amplified with Andile Ncube, Mofokeng shared details about how the transfer unfolded.

Why Mofokeng settled on Union SG

“I knew about it three games before the league ended,” he said as quoted by SABC. “As a young player and growing human being, you want to go to a place where you can grow and develop. It’s a great first step for me in Europe, and it’s a club where I can move my career forward.”

With the deal all but done, only a medical and the finalination of personal terms were left. Following his international duty with Bafana Bafana for the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Mofokeng flew directly from Los Angeles to Brussels to complete the move to Union. The transfer is understood to be valued at over R70 million.

Mofokeng acknowledged that he sees this move as a strategic step with the potential to lead to a top-five European league in the future.

Rele on how he can thrive in Belgium

Since the announcement of his four-year contract, a key focus has been on improving his physique to handle the demands of the Belgian Jupiler Pro League and the UEFA Champions League. Mofokeng is embracing the challenge.

Rele Mofokeng on the conversations around him improving his physique … #snawahttps://t.co/tgFFp38yG9 pic.twitter.com/43NakeG4fz

— SPORTS NIGHT AMPLIFIED with ANDILE (@SNAWA_MetroFmSA) July 9, 2026

“I don’t think that’s a problem because I played in the CAF Champions League, AFCON and the World Cup qualifiers too,” he explained. “Obviously, I have to build a bit, but I don’t think that’s a problem because I can still play with those big people. I can’t be built like Mbokazi, but the club said they will help me with my physique.”

The 21-year-old also confirmed statements made by Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza, noting that he could have moved abroad before the start of last season due to multiple offers.

However, Mofokeng chose to stay, driven by a desire to help his club win the Betway Premiership title—a goal he successfully achieved with 19 goal contributions.