Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng appears to be on the verge of completing his long-awaited move to Europe after being spotted travelling to Belgium instead of returning to South Africa with the rest of the Bafana Bafana squad.
The 21-year-old winger enjoyed a breakthrough FIFA World Cup campaign, featuring in every match for Bafana Bafana as Hugo Broos’ side reached the Round of 32.
His teammates boarded a flight home after their tournament ended. Mofokeng was seen heading to Belgium, adding fresh weight to reports that a transfer announcement is imminent.
UNION SG MOVE GATHERS MOMENTUM
Reports in recent days have linked the exciting playmaker with Belgian champions Union Saint-Gilloise. Former South African footballer Peter du Toit revealed that the deal is believed to be at an advanced stage.
Speaking on Soccerbeat, Du Toit stressed that nothing had been officially confirmed. He said information from multiple sources suggested Mofokeng had agreed to join the Belgian club.
“This is what we’ve heard. The first point I want to make is that nothing has been confirmed. But I can tell you it’s highly likely that Rele Mofokeng has signed for top Belgian club Union SG,” Du Toit said.
He added that Union Saint-Gilloise have built a strong reputation for identifying and developing young talent under owner Tony Bloom, who also owns Brighton & Hove Albion.
RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG EUROPEAN DREAM FINALLY WITHIN REACH
Mofokeng had also been linked with Bayer Leverkusen during the World Cup. But Belgium now looks set to become his first destination in European football.
Du Toit claimed one source close to the player suggested the transfer had already been completed. Another member of the Bafana Bafana squad reportedly confirmed that Mofokeng had signed for a Belgian club. Further checks pointed towards Union Saint-Gilloise.
If the move is officially announced, Mofokeng will follow in the footsteps of Percy Tau. He also represented Union Saint-Gilloise before earning a move to Brighton & Hove Albion.
For Orlando Pirates, it would mark another academy success story, while South African football would have another exciting young talent testing himself on the European stage.