Relebohile Mofokeng announces himself in Europe with match winning penalty as Union SG lift Belgian Super Cup
South African football has another moment to celebrate.
Relebohile Mofokeng produced a dream debut for Belgian champions Union Saint Gilloise on Friday night, holding his nerve to score the decisive penalty that secured the Belgian Super Cup after a dramatic shootout victory over Club Brugge.
For the 21 year old Bafana Bafana midfielder, it was the perfect introduction to European football. Just weeks after completing a record transfer from Orlando Pirates, Mofokeng delivered when the pressure was at its highest, helping his new club begin the 2026/27 season with silverware.
The atmosphere inside the Jan Breydel Stadium was electric as the two Belgian giants battled for the season’s first trophy. Union Saint Gilloise found themselves under pressure after Club Brugge took control early in the second half.
German forward Nicolo Tresoldi broke the deadlock with a close range volley, putting the home side within touching distance of victory and leaving Union searching for a response.
Mofokeng, who started the match on the bench, was introduced shortly after the hour mark. His arrival immediately brought greater composure and attacking energy as Union pushed relentlessly for an equaliser.
Their persistence paid off in the 77th minute when Argentine defender Kevin Mac Allister rose to the occasion to level the score, sending the contest to a tense penalty shootout.
Both teams converted their opening penalties with remarkable confidence. The tension only intensified as every successful kick increased the stakes.
The decisive moment finally arrived when Club Brugge teenager Cheveyo Tsawa stepped forward. His effort was brilliantly saved by Union goalkeeper Vic Chambaere, handing Union the opportunity to win the trophy.
There was little hesitation as Mofokeng walked towards the penalty spot.
Despite making his official debut for the club and carrying the weight of expectation, the South African remained composed. He struck a superb penalty into the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance and sparking jubilant celebrations among the Union players and supporters.
The successful spot kick sealed a 5 to 4 shootout victory following a hard fought 1 to 1 draw and handed Union Saint Gilloise their second Belgian Super Cup title. Remarkably, both triumphs have come against Club Brugge.
For Mofokeng, the moment represents far more than a trophy.
After emerging as one of South Africa’s brightest talents with Orlando Pirates, winning the PSL Footballer of the Year award and impressing in Bafana Bafana colours on the international stage, he has wasted no time proving he belongs in European football.
His immediate impact will also strengthen confidence within Union Saint Gilloise ahead of a demanding UEFA Champions League third qualifying round clash against Norwegian champions Bodø/Glimt.
South African supporters have followed Mofokeng’s move to Belgium with enormous anticipation. His winning penalty will only fuel growing belief that the talented midfielder is ready to become one of the country’s next major success stories abroad.
If Friday night’s unforgettable debut is any indication, Relebohile Mofokeng’s European journey has begun in the most spectacular way possible.
