Belgian-based coach Masilo Modubi has offered a timely piece of advice to Relebohile Mofokeng, mapping out exactly how the Bafana Bafana international can conquer his new surroundings at Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.
Mofokeng secured the move to the Belgian top division after four seasons with South African champions Orlando Pirates. The reigning Betway Premiership Young Player of the Season has been a revelation for the Buccaneers since making his senior debut in 2023.
He also featured for Bafana Bafana during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they were eliminated in the Round of 32. The 21-year-old has now joined Saint-Gilloise, the same club that Bafana Bafana forward Percy Tau played for during the 2018/19 season.
Modubi, who is now a coach in the lower divisions in Belgium, has commended Mofokeng for taking another step in his career and left some words of advice for the player, highlighting that the lack of public scrutiny in Belgium presents a golden opportunity for the Bafana starlet to adapt naturally.
WHAT MASILO MODUBI SAID ON RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG’S MOVE TO BELGIUM
The Europe-based tactician pointed out that Royale Union Saint-Gilloise serves as the perfect launchpad for emerging talent, allowing the former Pirates attacker to find his feet out of the intense spotlight he commanded back home.
“For him, it will be a good start to showcase his talent without pressure,” Modubi told FARPost.
“The club [Union Saint-Gilloise] is actually a good starter pack for young players to prove what they are capable of. Most people don’t know him here in Belgium, but if he does well, eventually they will know him.”
WHAT THE BAFANA BAFANA STAR NEEDS TO DO TO SETTLE AT ROYALE UNION SAINT-GILLOISE
“[Being homesick] will always play a part, but the background is actually the most important thing. If his parents are there for him to help him settle, or always remind him of his ambitions. It’s definitely not going to be easy.
“The weather, a new environment, but I believe if he really wants to make it in football and reach higher levels playing for big European teams, he needs to be patient with himself because he has the talent.”
RELATED STORY: Pitso Mosimane explains why Belgium transfer is perfect for Relebohile Mofokeng
