Hugo Broos Shocked By Relebohile Mofokeng’s Explosive Start In Belgium — South African Star Is Proving Doubters Wrong

Former Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has admitted that he was surprised when Relebohile Mofokeng joined Belgian champions Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, but the young South African footballer is already making a strong impression in European football.

Mofokeng’s move from Orlando Pirates to Belgium raised questions about whether his playing style would suit Union SG. Broos, who knows the attacker’s qualities, initially struggled to understand why the club had chosen to sign him.

However, the 21-year-old has responded impressively, delivering goals, assists and energetic performances as he adjusts to life abroad. His early progress has prompted renewed discussion about his potential and the growing presence of South African talent in European football.

Speaking to Belgian publication Het Nieuwsblad, Broos explained his initial reaction when he discovered which club was interested in Mofokeng.

“When I heard that the Belgian club was Union, I honestly couldn’t believe it,” Broos said.

He was careful to acknowledge the attacker’s ability, describing him as a fantastic footballer while questioning whether his style matched the type of player Union typically recruited.

“With all respect for the boy — I know his qualities and what a fantastic footballer he is — but he’s not exactly the type of player you often see at Union,” Broos explained.

His comments were not a rejection of Mofokeng’s talent. Instead, they reflected uncertainty about how quickly the former Pirates star would adapt to a different footballing environment.

Mofokeng Makes His Mark In Europe

Mofokeng has given South African supporters plenty of reasons to follow his progress. He scored on his Europa League debut when Union SG defeated Viktoria Plzeň 3-0, showing his ability to threaten opponents at continental level.

Reports around the time of Broos’s comments credited the attacker with four goals and one assist in his opening 10 appearances for the Belgian club. His performances have strengthened the impression that he is adapting faster than some observers expected.

The transition from the Betway Premiership to European football is demanding, but Mofokeng’s early contribution suggests that he is embracing the challenge rather than allowing the pressure to affect his game.

Real Sociedad Test Provides Another Learning Opportunity

Union SG next faced Spanish side Real Sociedad in the Europa League on 15 October. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with substitute Sekou Keita scoring a late equaliser after Real Sociedad had taken the lead through Beñat Turrientes.

Mofokeng was involved in the contest and had an early effort that went over the crossbar as Union began brightly. Although he did not score, the match provided valuable experience against opposition from Spain’s top division.

Mofokeng’s progress is encouraging for South African football, particularly as Bafana Bafana continue to rely on talented players competing at a higher level abroad.

Source:

https://x.com/Soccer_Laduma/status/2110696392402309532