South African Star Helps USG Return To The Top In Belgium

Relebohile Mofokeng continued to impress in European football after coming on as a second-half substitute to help Royale Union Saint-Gilloise claim a 1-0 victory over Genk in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League on Sunday evening. The Bafana Bafana midfielder entered the game in the 60th minute when both teams were still searching for an opening goal, bringing additional attacking energy to the home side.

The match took place at Stade Joseph Marien, with supporters having to wait until the 76th minute before the deadlock was finally broken. Defender Ross Sykes scored the winning goal with a powerful header from a corner, giving Union the advantage. Before the goal, Mofokeng had already threatened the Genk defence in the 73rd minute, forcing goalkeeper Lucca Brughmans to make an important save. Union continued applying pressure, and three minutes later, Sykes found the back of the net.

Genk attempted to find an equaliser during the closing stages, but Union remained disciplined defensively and successfully protected their advantage until the final whistle. The victory takes the Belgian champions back to the top of the league standings with 29 points, one more than Club Brugge and Gent, who both have 28 points. Genk remain in seventh position with 15 points after suffering their second consecutive league defeat.

For Mofokeng, the appearance represents another positive moment in what has been an encouraging beginning to his career in Belgium. The former Orlando Pirates attacker joined Union SG in 2026 and has already shown what he can offer the team. He previously scored the decisive penalty against Club Brugge in the Belgian Super Cup, helping his new club win the trophy. He has also contributed goals and assists in league matches.

His goal on debut against Westerlo and impressive performance against Cercle Brugge have further increased his popularity among South African football supporters, who are closely following his progress in Europe.

Union will certainly be encouraged by the attacking options available on their bench, especially with Mofokeng continuing to show his qualities whenever he gets an opportunity. Although he did not score against Genk, his contribution helped maintain the pressure on the opposition before Sykes eventually secured the winning goal.

For Bafana Bafana supporters, watching a young South African international make an impact in European football is an encouraging development. His performances are gradually raising expectations about what he could achieve at Union SG.

The big question now is whether Mofokeng has done enough to earn a regular starting position or whether he still needs more time to establish himself in the team’s first eleven.

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