Relebohile Mofokeng, the South African international who was a transfer target for Maccabi Tel Aviv in the summer of 2025, is set to return to Union Saint-Gilloise's starting XI today (Thursday, 19:45, Sport1) against Hapoel Beesheba. The Belgian side will host this Europe League fixture in Dusseldorf, Germany, looking to extend their unbeaten run as they sit on four points after two matchdays, while the Israeli opponents enter the match with one point.
The 21-year-old Mofokeng started both of his side's previous matches in the competition, finding the net in a 3-0 opening away victory over Czech outfit Viktoria Plzeň. The winger has also contributed three goals and an assist in the Belgian Pro League since his €3.5 million summer acquisition from Orlando Pirates. On his debut, he converted the decisive penalty in a shootout against Club Brugge to secure the Belgian Super Cup. Last month, he also bagged a brace during South Africa's 5-0 rout of Eritrea.
Reports in Belgium indicate that his impressive adaptation to European soccer has attracted attention from elite continental clubs, including Chelsea, Atletico Madrid, and Napoli. South African soccer circles are abuzz, with projections pointing toward a massive multi-million-euro transfer as early as next year.
"Rele has started exceptionally well, and our Belgian consultants tell us that if he keeps this up, he will move for €20 to €25 million," said Grant Veitch, Africa recruitment manager at Roc Nation, the major talent and athlete management agency owned by rapper Jay-Z. "If you look at Mofokeng, maybe his next step will be another move within Europe. And the exciting thing about South African soccer right now is that there are many young players doing exceptionally well in Europe and other markets."
He added that Mofokeng and his contemporaries are paving the way for future talent: "Now South Africans are beginning to build a reputation as good players in these leagues, and that makes it much easier for other South African players aspiring to get there, because clubs already trust South African players and believe they can make a difference."