BAFANA Bafana attacker Relebohile Mofokeng is reportedly in Belgium to conclude a move to Union Saint-Gilloise.
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Joseph Makhanya has backed Relebohile Mofokeng to adapt and showcase his quality in the Jupiler Pro League amid reports linking him with a move to Belgian top-flight side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.
Mofokeng reportedly caught the eye of Saint-Gilloise during Bafana Bafana’s historic Fifa World Cup campaign, in which he helped the national team reach the knockout stage for the first time ever.
Following South Africa's 1-0 Round of 32 loss to Canada, reports indicate that Mofokeng did not travel back home with the squad, opting instead to fly straight from the United States to conclude his transfer where he's set to put pen to paper on a four-year deal.
The move to Saint-Gilloise is widely regarded as an ideal step for Mofokeng's career, offering a lower-pressure environment to develop, find his feet, and peak at a higher level than the PSL.
Saint-Gilloise also served as a breeding ground for one of South Africa’s finest talents, Percy Tau. It was there that he matured before moving on to clubs like Club Brugge and RC Anderlecht, and notably returning to his parent club, Brighton & Hove Albion, in the English Premier League.
The Belgian league itself has played host to some of South Africa's top players, with the likes of Andile Jali, Darren Keet, Lance Davids, Siboniso Gaxa, and the late Anele Ngcongca all making their names there. Additionally, Belgium is the home country of current Bafana coach, Hugo Broos.
Makhanya, who served as Mofokeng's development coach at Orlando Pirates and played a massive role in his reserve league breakthrough and subsequent promotion under Jose Riveiro, is confident the youngster will shine in Belgium.
"I am of the belief that football is about adaptation and what you bring to the team," Makhanya told Independent Media in an exclusive interview. "These people were watching Rele; they know what he brings. So, the aim now is for Rele to establish himself in the Belgian league.
"Regardless of where you take special players – even to a robust league like Italy – they will always show their talent and adapt. Football is adaptation. If he goes there and adapts, then you know he’s a good player.
“Special, creative players are brought in because a club notices something they lack or want to add value. It encourages them to showcase their individuality."
Despite his slight frame, Mofokeng has consistently defied his size to star for both club and country. He was outstanding for Pirates last season, helping the team secure a domestic treble: the Betway Premiership, MTN8, and Carling Knockout.
Makhanya believes Mofokeng will only improve abroad, noting that the Belgian club will help him mature both tactically and physically, ultimately opening doors to Europe's top leagues.
"Conditionally and physically, they’ll start working with him," Makhanya said. "By the age of 22 or 23, he’ll be ready for any competition, including England and Italy. One thing I want to emphasise is seeing the Rele we know growing and becoming a better player as the years progress."
Makhanya also credited the roles that he, Riveiro, and current Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou played in Mofokeng's growth, noting that the youngster successfully filled the massive shoes of his role model when he left the club.
"When Pirates lost Thembinkosi Lorch, every Pirates supporter, including myself, was worried. But every time we looked at Rele, we said: 'This might be the solution.' Obviously, Pirates had a plan for him," Makhanya reflected.
"You must also credit how Jose integrated him into the footballer he is today. Our part in development is to prepare them so they are ready for the moment when it comes.
“Jose is a different coach to Abdeslam Ouaddou; they have different styles. When you groom a player, you want him to adapt to any system, and Rele became that player. Jose is a possession-based coach, while Ouaddou emphasizes aggression."