“From Superstar To Anonymous”: Mofokeng Reveals Reality Of Belgian Life After Pirates
Former Orlando Pirates player Relebohile Mofokeng has opened up about the hard work he has put in to establish himself in Europe after being treated like a superstar in South Africa.
Mofokeng moved to Belgian club Royal Union Saint-Gilloise in July following an impressive 2025/26 season with Pirates. The talented youngster scored 10 goals and provided eight assists in 27 matches, helping the club secure a treble.
Since joining Union Saint-Gilloise, Mofokeng has already found the back of the net four times across all competitions as he continues to adapt to European football.
The 2025/26 Betway Premiership Player of the Season was involved as Bafana Bafana beat Guinea 2-1 in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, where he should have scored in the early stages of the match.
“I think it’s about starting over,” Mofokeng said.
“When I arrived there, I could go to the mall and no one would disturb me, but in South Africa, I couldn’t go to the mall. It changed everything, even my mindset, because no one knows you.
“In South Africa, people know you and treat you like a star, but here, you have to start over.”
Mofokeng immediately travelled with Bafana Bafana to Egypt for their second AFCON qualifier against Eritrea, which will take place on Wednesday.
“You have to work for your name and for people to know you. I think the process has been going very well, and I’m adapting. As time goes by, I’ll be fine,” he added.
