Former Bafana Bafana striker Shaun Bartlett has explained why he expects Relebohile Mofokeng’s time in the Belgian Pro League with Royale Union Saint-Gilloise to be short-lived.
The 21-year-old signed for the Belgian Jupiler Pro League side in July from Betway Premiership reigning champions Orlando Pirates. It marked the end of the winger-cum-attacking midfielder’s four seasons with the Buccaneers first team.
Mofokeng has immediately made an impact at Royale Union, scoring two goals in four league appearances. He also helped them win the Belgian Super Cup against Club Brugge, with Mofokeng scoring the winning penalty. It is a season the Belgian outfit will also be playing in the UEFA Europa League – league phase.
That came after Royale Union failed to qualify for the league phase of the UEFA Champions League. However, Europa League football is likely to afford the Bafana star the exposure in the demanding continental competition.
SHAUN BARTLETT ON WHAT COULD FAST-TRACK MOFOKENG’S RISE
Bartlett enjoyed a successful career in Europe, turning out for FC Zurich and Charlton Athletic during their spell in the English Premier League. The Bafana Bafana legend spent two seasons with the Swiss giants before securing a loan move to Charlton, which was later converted into a permanent deal.
Analysing modern transfer trends, Bartlett is convinced Mofokeng will earn a move to bigger leagues sooner than expected.
“Rele has just gone to Belgium, and by January [2027], he could be in a higher league. It depends on how quickly he settles in and the performances he puts in. So, it’s all about the player and how they really adapt and take it on board,” Bartlett, who also played for Kaizer Chiefs, told FARPost.
“It doesn’t even have to be three years. With the amount of exposure you get nowadays, it’s not even from television.
“Now, with a simple phone, you can even record something and post it on social media, and then it goes viral. So, it doesn’t have to be three years.
“I always say it’s all about timing. When you do well and when other clubs need a certain player, if the timing is right, they will sign you and add you to their team. I think that was even the fortunate thing about me going to England.”
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