Bafana Bafana playmaker Relebohile Mofokeng is set for a move to Belgium.
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Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos believes Relebohile Mofokeng possesses the raw talent to succeed in Europe, but has cautioned that the Orlando Pirates star must first adapt physically before he can truly make his mark in Belgium.
Mofokeng is widely expected to complete a high-profile move to Belgian champions Union Saint-Gilloise after not travelling to Europe instead of coming home with teammates following South Africa's FIFA World Cup campaign.
Bafana is expected to arrive back in South Africa at 5.30am on Thursday morning.
The blockbuster transfer would see one of the country's brightest young prospects follow a well-trodden pathway that has previously helped launch the careers of several South African internationals.
Broos has warmly welcomed the move, insisting that Belgium provides an ideal developmental environment for the 21-year-old winger, though he warned supporters not to expect instant results.
"I think it's a good thing for him. He will progress," Broos told the SABC's Velile_Mnyandu.
"But I also think you can't expect him to perform from day one. Rele has to be stronger. It is a really tough competition in Belgium. I think for the first six months, they will put him into specialized fitness training to get him a little bit stronger. Then, once you have the necessary power for such a competition, there will be no problem."
The Belgian mentor knows the rigorous demands of the Pro League better than most, and firmly believes the physical aspect of the game will represent Mofokeng's biggest structural adjustment rather than his technical footballing ability.
Former Orlando Pirates development coach Joseph Makhanya shares a very similar view, backing his former protégé to thrive once he adapts to the relentless demands of European football.
Makhanya believes Belgium is the perfect long-term stepping stone, allowing Mofokeng to mature both physically and tactically before eventually earning a lucrative move to one of Europe's top-five leagues.
"Football is entirely about adaptation and what you can consistently bring to the team," Makhanya reflected.
He also praised the youngster's elite mentality, pointing directly to the fearless way Mofokeng embraced the pressure of replacing the departed Thembinkosi Lorch at Pirates, whilst continuing to develop rapidly under former head coach José Riveiro.
Makhanya added that with the right conditioning program, Mofokeng's ultimate ceiling is far higher than the Belgian top flight.
"Conditionally and physically, they'll start working with him immediately. By the age of 22 or 23, he'll be completely ready for any competition, including England and Italy."
For now, however, Broos believes total patience will be key. While South African fans will be understandably eager to see Mofokeng dazzle crowds immediately, the national coach insists the first few months should be viewed as an investment in the winger's long-term future, rather than being judged on immediate matchday performances.