Legend Pitso Mosimane is backing Relebohile Mofokeng to shine in Europe following his blockbuster move from Orlando Pirates to Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
South African coaching legend Pitso Mosimane believes Relebohile Mofokeng has chosen the perfect environment to launch his European career after completing his move to Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.
The 21-year-old recently sealed his transfer from Orlando Pirates after emerging as one of South African football’s brightest talents over the last three seasons.
The Bafana Bafana number ten established himself as a key figure for the Buccaneers under both Jose Riveiro and Abdeslam Ouaddou, with his performances eventually attracting growing interest from abroad.
His move to Union Saint-Gilloise now places him at one of Belgium’s most ambitious clubs after the side finished second in the Belgian Pro League last season to qualify for the UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds.
Mosimane believes the move could prove crucial for Mofokeng’s long-term development.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly coach pointed towards Percy Tau’s successful rise through Belgian football as an example of how the league can become a stepping stone towards Europe’s elite competitions.
“Countries like Belgium where Rele has gone, that’s where Percy [Tau] came,” Mosimane said on Smash Sports’ Changing The Game with Pitso Mosimane.
“Percy played there, started there. Belgium has launched a lot of players and gave them opportunities to go to big leagues.”
Mosimane also highlighted how Belgium has consistently produced and developed world-class talent, naming stars such as Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne and Youri Tielemans as examples.
“Even themselves, the Lukakus, Kevin De Bruyne, [Youri] Tielemans. You have to play in Belgium to do that,” he added.
Importantly, Mosimane also stressed that Belgium offers African players a more realistic pathway into Europe compared to some of the stricter regulations found in leagues such as England.
“Belgium is also friendly to our Africans, the rules are much better,” Mosimane explained.
“It’s not like in England where you have to have 70% caps for the last two years.”
The veteran coach further encouraged more South African players to consider alternative European routes through countries such as Belgium and Cyprus rather than focusing solely on Europe’s traditional powerhouse leagues.
Mosimane referenced Bafana Bafana winger Thapelo Maseko, who currently plays in Cyprus, as another example of South African talent gradually building a European profile.
“Probably an easy route for us South Africans to go to Europe is in those countries,” Mosimane said.
“We need more players in Europe.”
For Mofokeng, the move now represents both a major personal opportunity and another important step in South African football’s growing European presence.