Gone: Mofokeng unveiled by UEFA Champions League team after Pirates’ exit

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Gone: Mofokeng unveiled by UEFA Champions League team after Pirates’ exit
Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana winger Relebohile Mofokeng

Belgian heavyweights Royale Union Saint-Gilloise have confirmed the signing of Relebohile Mofokeng from Premier Soccer League champions Orlando Pirates.

The 21-year-old has been a hit in the Premier Soccer League since getting his first taste late in the 2022/23 campaign under the then Sea Robbers coach Jose Riveiro. In the last three seasons, he has made massive strides which has seen him become a regular for Bafana Bafana.

Relebohile Mofokeng playing for South Africa's Bafana Bafana.
Relebohile Mofokeng playing for Bafana Bafana. Image: Imago

As a matter of fact, he was part of the South Africa national team that played in the 2026 FIFA World Cup where the team was eliminated in the Round of 32 by co-hosts Canada.

What the Belgian outfit have said

“Relebohile Mofokeng is Union’s latest signing. The South African joins from Orlando Pirates and has signed a contract until mid-2030, with the club holding an option to extend it by a further year,” the club confirmed.

“The 21-year-old talent was in action at the FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico last week with South Africa.

“He started two matches, including the knockout clash against Canada, featuring his future teammate Promise David. In addition to his performances for Bafana Bafana, Mofokeng has been a key player for Orlando Pirates for several years. Last season, he helped them win the league title.”

Rele happy for the new challenge

“I’m very happy to be here,” Mofokeng said as quoted by the club in the press release..

“It’s a dream to play in Europe and to begin our Champions League qualifying campaign soon.

“The past year has been very special, with the league title, my first FIFA World Cup with South Africa and now this important step in my career.”

“I hope to continue developing as a player here. Together with the team, we’ll do everything we can to compete for trophies,” they concluded.

Pirates’ statement on Mofokeng

“Orlando Pirates Football Club can confirm that it has reached an agreement with Royale Union Saint-Gilloise for the transfer of Relebohile Mofokeng,” Pirates said in a statement.

“While the two clubs have concluded negotiations over the transfer fee and structure of the deal, Orlando Pirates can confirm that the move remains subject to Mofokeng passing a medical examination and finalising personal terms with the Belgian Pro League side.

“The Club can also reveal that an agreement in principle between Orlando Pirates and Union Saint-Gilloise was in fact reached before the start of the FIFA World Cup. Both parties made the joint decision to hold off on any public announcement until after the tournament, wanting Mofokeng to focus fully on the World Cup with Bafana Bafana without the distraction of transfer talk, and to allow the national team’s historic run to take centre stage.

Orlando Pirates winger Relebohile Mofokeng
Orlando Pirates winger Relebohile Mofokeng. Photo: Orlando Pirates

“No further comment will be made at this time until the process between the player and Royale Union Saint-Gilloise has been fully concluded,” they concluded.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

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Willis Sob is a sports betting expert and journalist covering Nigeria and South Africa, with 16 years of experience. With a background in journalism, reporting and programme production, he specialises in football odds, and his work has appeared on OK Africa and GOAL, as well as TV, radio and podcasts.

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