Broos Believes Belgium Is The Perfect Crucible For Mofokeng
Outgoing Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has no doubt that Relebohile Mofokeng’s impending move to Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise is exactly what the youngster needs to take his game to the next level.
As the Bafana Bafana squad returns from the FIFA World Cup on Thursday, Mofokeng will be absent; the playmaker is currently en route to Belgium to finalize his transfer.
Mofokeng flew out to undergo his medical examination, with both clubs having already agreed to terms on the deal.
The 21-year-old featured in three of Bafana Bafana’s four matches at the World Cup, a tournament in which the national team made history by reaching the knockout stages.
Mofokeng produced a standout performance as Bafana secured a memorable victory over South Korea in their final group match, though he was substituted at halftime during Sunday’s heartbreaking 1-0 Round of 32 loss to co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on Sunday.
Broos, who is Belgian by birth, previously managed several top-flight clubs in his homeland, including Club Brugge, Excelsior Mouscron, RSC Anderlecht, Gent, and KV Oostende.
“I think it’s a good thing for him, and he will progress, but we mustn’t expect that he will play from the first day,” Broos told SABC Sport.
“I think he will progress, but Rele must become stronger. It’s a very tough competition in Belgium, and in the first five to six months they will work a lot on his physical strength.
“He’s a talented player, and once you have the power you need for such a competition, there will be no problem at all.”
St Gilloise is the former club of Percy Tau, who spent a season on loan after his 2018 move to Brighton and Hove Albion, after he was signed from Mamelodi Sundowns.
Mofokeng enjoyed a standout campaign last term, helping the Buccaneers secure a historic treble, which included their first Betway Premiership title in 14 years.
In his 27 appearances last season, he scored 10 goals and provided eight assists, making him the odds-on favorite for the PSL Footballer of the Season award. Overall, the playmaker has racked up 125 appearances for Pirates, netting 29 times and registering 31 assists.
