Mofokeng Revels On Dream Debut In Europe
Bafana Bafana star attacker Relebohile Mofokeng was left with a big smile on his face following his dream European debut for Royale Union SG in the Europa League against Viktoria Plzen on Thursday.
Mofokeng, who completed his transfer to Union SG from Orlando Pirates following an impressive 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, set the tone early as the Belgian side opened their Europa League phase in dominant fashion.
Reflecting on his milestone night in European football, the 21-year-old South African international was thrilled with both the result and the team’s performance:
“What a special game, the first European game,” said Mofokeng.
Mofokeng’s strike makes him one of the youngest South Africans to score on their main-draw UEFA Europa League debut since Percy Tau’s stint in European competitions.
He continued: “We won, and I think this is very good for our club, very good for our reputation. I think we’re just sending a message that we came here to work and came here to do what needs to be done.
“I think the fighting spirit is in our blood now. We came to fight, we came here to win and take the three points, and we did exactly that because our mindset in every game is to win.
“I think we did very well as a team, and we will keep on doing well.”
Mofokeng opened the scoring for Union SG in the 17th minute after Massire Sylla launched a precise long pass into space. Accelerating past the defense, Mofokeng latched onto the ball and calmly slotted a clinical finish into the bottom left corner past goalkeeper Florian Wiegele.
Operating in his preferred No. 10 role, Mofokeng logged 34 touches—including four inside the opposition penalty box—and won two duels before being substituted in the second half with the victory well in hand.
The strike takes Mofokeng’s tally to three goals across all competitions for Union SG this season, adding to his previous domestic strikes in 5-1 victories over Westerlo and Sint-Truiden.
Analyzing the tactical approach that unlocked the Czech outfit, Mofokeng highlighted their preparation:
“We knew from the start that if they play in the high line, there is a space behind. If they press, there is a space behind them,” said Mofokeng.
“I think I already knew that there would always be space behind them. It was just a matter of passing. It was a great pass from my teammate. We used the spaces quite well, and that’s why we scored three goals. We did very well.”
