Relebohile Mofokeng Departs Orlando Pirates for Belgian Side Royale Union Saint‑Gilloise
On 2 July 2026, Orlando Pirates announced that midfielder Relebohile Mofokeng had completed a transfer to Royale Union Saint‑Gilloise, the Belgian Jupiler Pro League club that secured promotion back to the top flight in 2021. The 21‑year‑old South African international shared a heartfelt six‑page Instagram post titled “This is not farewell”, thanking the club, its staff, teammates and supporters for the role they played in his development.
Background and Rise at Orlando Pirates
Mofokeng joined the Pirates’ youth system through the Transnet School of Excellence and progressed through the academy ranks to make his senior debut in the 2022‑23 season. Known for his vision, passing range and composure on the ball, he quickly became a regular in the starting XI under coach José Riveiro. His performances earned him a call‑up to Bafana Bafana for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he featured in three group‑stage matches.
Key Contribution to Pirates’ 2023‑24 Title Win
During the 2023‑24 Betway Premiership campaign, Mofokeng played a pivotal role in Orlando Pirates’ historic league triumph – the club’s first championship since the 2011‑12 season. He contributed:
- Eight goals and twelve assists in 30 league appearances.
- A decisive assist in the 2‑1 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns that secured the title.
- Consistent high‑press work that helped Pirates finish the season with the best defensive record in the league (28 goals conceded).
These statistics were highlighted in the club’s end‑of‑season review published on the official Orlando Pirates website.
The Farewell Message on Instagram
In his Instagram post, Mofokeng wrote:
“I write this message with a heart full of gratitude, pride and emotion as I bid farewell to Orlando Pirates Football Club… Representing this great institution has been one of the greatest honors of my life.”
He thanked:
- Club chairman Irvin Khoza, the board and management for believing in his potential.
- The coaching, technical and medical staff for their day‑to‑day support.
- His teammates for the brotherhood and shared battles on the pitch.
- Sponsors and partners whose investment helped the club grow.
- The Pirates faithful – affectionately known as “the Ghost” – for their unwavering passion.
The post concluded with the affirmation that his time at Pirates had made him “a better player and a better person”.
Moving to Royale Union Saint‑Gilloise: Club Context
Royale Union Saint‑Gilloise, based in Brussels, returned to Belgium’s top division in 2021 after several seasons in the Challenger Pro League. The club won the Jupiler Pro League title in the 2024‑25 season and finished as runners‑up in 2025‑26, earning a UEFA Europa League spot for the upcoming campaign. Sporting director Chris O’Loughlin described the signing of Mofokeng as “a statement of intent to add creative quality and South‑American flair to our midfield”.
Reactions from Fans, Coaches and Analysts
The transfer drew widespread reaction across social media and sports outlets:
- Orlando Pirates supporters flooded the comment section of Mofokeng’s post with messages of appreciation, many using the hashtag #ThankYouRele.
- Former Pirates captain and analyst Siphiwe Tshabalala praised the midfielder’s professionalism, stating on SuperSport (3 July 2026) that “his technical ability and mental maturity are exactly what Belgian football needs”.
- Belgian journalist Het Laatste Nieuws (4 July 2026) noted that Mofokeng’s arrival could bolster Union’s push for a Champions League qualifying spot.
Looking Ahead: What the Transfer Means for Mofokeng and South African Football
At 21, Mofokeng’s move to a competitive European league represents a significant step in his career trajectory. Exposure to the tactical rigor of the Jupiler Pro League, combined with regular European competition, could accelerate his development and increase his prospects for future national team call‑ups. For South African football, his success abroad serves as a tangible example of the talent pathway that clubs like Orlando Pirates can provide, reinforcing the value of investing in youth academies and player welfare programmes.
As he begins this new chapter, the midfielder carries with him the lessons, memories and values instilled during his time at the Bucs. While the Instagram post emphasized that this is “not a farewell”, it also marks the start of a promising European adventure that fans across the continent will be watching closely.
