Orlando Pirates have disclosed what they say is a year-long secret about Relebohile Mofokeng, who recently joined Belgian Jupiler Pro League side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.
The Sharpeville-born midfielder finally secured his European breakthrough following seasons of intense transfer speculation. His move to Belgium follows a trial stint with relegated English Premier League outfit Wolverhampton Wanderers in late 2023, amid reported interest from heavyweights such as Rangers and Barcelona.
Having played PSL football with Pirates for the past four seasons, the 21-year-old was now ripe for a major leap in his professional career. He is now at Percy Tau’s former club, Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, who will be participating in the UEFA Champions League group stage qualifiers in August.
Should they make it to the group phase, that would be a huge stride in Mofokeng’s career, but something expected after a decent outing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Bafana Bafana.
WHAT WAS RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG’S SECRET BEFORE COMPLETING THE BELGIUM MOVE? ORLANDO PIRATES REVEAL
Pirates have revealed that Mofokeng could have moved to Europe in 2025, but the player opted to stay for another season in the Betway Premiership. The 21-year-old’s decision reaped massive rewards as he inspired the Buccaneers to a historic treble, clinching the MTN8 and Carling Knockout Cup before ending a 14-year league title drought.
“Relebohile could have left last year. The interest was there. The door was open. But what did he do? He chose to stay – not for money, not for comfort, but because he wanted to win the league for this club and for its supporters,” Pirates disclosed in a tribute piece to the player nicknamed ‘President yama 2k’.
“In his own words: ‘chairman [Dr. Irvin Khoza], I am not worried about overseas now. I want to give it my all this season and try win this league for the club. This is my only focus right now. If overseas happens after that, then good but for now, let me do all I can to make the supporters happy.’
“He made a promise, quietly, the way honest people do. And he kept it. Europe will take a little while to catch up. A few matches, maybe less.
“And then the world will know what Mzansi has known since 2022, that Relebohile Mofokeng is something that comes along once in a generation, if you are lucky. If you are very lucky.”
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