‘There’s No Place Like Home’: Mofokeng Reflects On Tough European Transition
Bafana Bafana winger Relebohile Mofokeng admitted adjusting to life at Belgian outfit Royale Union Saint-Gilloise proved emotionally challenging, but the 21-year-old former Orlando Pirates star has quickly hit his stride with four goals and an assist in nine appearances.
Mofokeng completed his move to Belgium after sweeping South Africa’s individual honors. He led Orlando Pirates to their first league title in 14 years alongside the MTN8 and Carling Knockout Cup, scoring in the final in the latter to seal a domestic treble.
His individual brilliance earned him both the PSL Players’ Player of the Season and his third consecutive PSL Young Player of the Season award.
He also claimed the premier prize—PSL Footballer of the Season—becoming the first Buccaneers player to capture the award since Thembinkosi Lorch in 2019.
What Did Mofokeng Say About Homesickness in Belgium?
Returning to South Africa for national team duty for the first time since his transfer, Mofokeng spoke candidly on SuperSport TV about adapting to a new country.
“I think, obviously, missing my family,” said Mofokeng, who is in South Africa for the first time since completing his move to Europe to join up with Bafana Bafana.
“That is the most important thing. There is a saying that says, ‘There is no place like home’. I didn’t know about it.
“When I arrived there, for the first two weeks, it felt like I really missed home.
“I felt life was not easy without my family, people who know you and all that.”
Mofokeng shifted his mindset to embrace the professional challenge ahead.
“You have to adapt because I’m here to work,” said Mofokeng, who is set to start when Bafana Bafana host Guinea at Orlando Amstel Arena in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Saturday.
“I can’t complain. All of us know that I’m overseas because the mission is what they [my family] want from our lives.
“I think if your mentality is right, then you know what you want and what you want in life. You will work, and you won’t care about those things.”
How Has Mofokeng Performed for Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in Europe?
Mofokeng quickly put initial adjustments behind him, registering four goals and one assist in his first nine appearances across all competitions.
He announced himself on the European stage last week against Czech side Viktoria Plzeň, sprinting past two defenders to reach a long pass before finishing calmly.
Mofokeng now turns his focus to international duty, where he is expected to start for Bafana Bafana when they host Guinea at Orlando Amstel Arena in Saturday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Orlando Amstel Arena is the venue he knows so well, having dazzled markedly for Pirates last season.
