Mofokeng Defies Hugo Broos' Six-Month Adaptation Timeline

Former Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos believed Relebohile Mofokeng would require at least six months to gain the necessary fitness for Belgian football, but the young midfielder has already made an immediate impact at Royal Union Saint Gilloise FC.

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Mofokeng joined the Belgian club in July following an impressive 2025/2026 season with Orlando Pirates, where he recorded 10 goals and 8 assists in 27 matches. His consistent form in the Betway Premiership earned him a place in the Bafana Bafana squad that recently participated in the 2026 FIFA World Cup currently underway in the United States of America, Mexico and Canada.

Speaking to the media at OR Tambo International Airport in July, Broos expressed concerns about the youngster's physical readiness for the demands of Belgian football.

"I think it's a good thing for him. I think he will progress, I also think that we don't expect that from the first day he will play because Rele has to be stronger. It's a very tough competition in Belgium, so I think the first five, six months they will put him in the fitness [programme] to get him a little bit stronger. And he's a talented player so once he have the power [he becomes stronger] that he need for the competition there will be no problem I think."

However, Mofokeng has already played five of league leaders RUSG's first six Jupiler Pro League games, scoring three times. The Sharpeville-born native also appeared in a UEFA Champions League qualification loss to Bodø/Glimt and featured in the Belgian Supercup win over Club Brugge.

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While Broos' comments were intended as a caution to exercise patience with the youngster rather than doubt in his abilities, Mofokeng is proving he can hold his own in one of Europe's competitive leagues. The forward continues to win favour with his teammates and head coach David Hubert as he settles into Belgian football.

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Bafana Bafana Hugo Broos Relebohile Mofokeng Royale Union Saint-Gilloise