Relebohile Mofokeng is reportedly edging closer to a move from Orlando Pirates to Belgian champions Union Saint-Gilloise, with multiple reports indicating the South African international has agreed personal terms on a four-year contract.
According to Belgian publication Nieuwsblad, Union Saint-Gilloise have offered the 20-year-old winger a deal that would keep him at the club for the next four seasons. Reports suggest the player is expected to travel to Belgium in the coming days to complete the formalities of the transfer.
However, the move has not yet been officially confirmed by Orlando Pirates, who have not announced Mofokeng’s departure on their official website.
Union Saint-Gilloise targeting one of South Africa’s brightest talents
If the transfer is finalised, it would mark another significant move for one of South African football’s most highly rated young players.
Union Saint-Gilloise have emerged as one of Belgium’s leading clubs in recent seasons and are preparing for another campaign that includes domestic title ambitions and UEFA Champions League football. Bringing in a player of Mofokeng’s profile would further strengthen their attacking options while continuing their strategy of recruiting talented young players with significant potential.
Although reports indicate the transfer is nearing completion, supporters will likely wait for confirmation from both clubs before considering the deal official.
Mofokeng’s rise at Orlando Pirates
Mofokeng’s journey to becoming one of the Betway Premiership’s standout performers has been rapid.
Born in Sharpeville, he began his football education at the respected Transnet School of Excellence before joining the Orlando Pirates Development Academy in 2021. His progress through the club’s youth structures was swift, earning promotion from the DStv Diski Challenge side to the senior team in 2023.
Since making his breakthrough, the attacking midfielder has established himself as one of Pirates’ key players. His ability to create chances, carry the ball through midfield and contribute goals has made him a regular feature in the first team.
Reports indicate he departs Orlando Pirates having made 89 senior appearances, scoring 18 goals and providing 22 assists. Across all competitions during his senior career, he has accumulated well over 100 appearances while contributing more than 25 goals.
Those performances have helped cement his reputation as one of South Africa’s most exciting young footballers.
Success at club and international level
Mofokeng’s development has coincided with one of Orlando Pirates’ most successful recent periods.
During his time with the Buccaneers, he played an important role in the club winning the Nedbank Cup, three successive MTN8 titles and the Carling Knockout Cup. His consistency also earned individual recognition, including the South African Premiership Young Player of the Season award in 2024 as well as the Nedbank Cup Most Promising Player honour.
His progress has not been limited to club football.
After representing South Africa at Under-20 level during the 2022 COSAFA U-20 Championship, he earned his senior international debut in 2024. Since then, he has become a regular member of Hugo Broos’ squad and scored his first senior international goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Most recently, Mofokeng represented Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where South Africa reached the Round of 32 before their campaign ended against Canada. His performances on football’s biggest stage further enhanced his growing reputation.
Why the reported transfer matters
A successful move to Union Saint-Gilloise would represent another important milestone for both Mofokeng and South African football.
Belgium has long provided a pathway for African players looking to establish themselves in European football before potentially progressing to some of the continent’s biggest leagues. Regular football in a competitive European environment would offer Mofokeng the opportunity to continue his development while testing himself against higher-level opposition.
For Union Saint-Gilloise, securing a player with Mofokeng’s age, versatility and experience could prove to be a valuable addition as they prepare to compete on multiple fronts next season.
Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates would lose one of their most influential young players should the transfer be completed. Replacing a footballer capable of contributing both goals and assists will present a significant challenge, particularly given the role he has played in the club’s recent domestic success.
Awaiting official confirmation
Despite widespread reports linking Mofokeng with a move to Belgium, the transfer remains subject to official confirmation.
Neither Orlando Pirates nor Union Saint-Gilloise have formally announced the deal, meaning supporters will have to wait until the necessary paperwork has been completed before the move can be regarded as final.
Should the transfer proceed as expected, it would mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Mofokeng’s career. After establishing himself as one of the Betway Premiership’s leading young stars and becoming a regular for Bafana Bafana, the next challenge appears set to come in European football.
For now, the focus remains on awaiting confirmation from the clubs involved, but all indications suggest one of South Africa’s brightest talents could soon be taking the next step in his career with the Belgian champions.