Relebohile Mofokeng reveals emotions behind Belgian Super Cup winning penalty
Relebohile Mofokeng stood alone with the weight of a historic moment resting on his shoulders. With the Belgian Super Cup hanging in the balance, the former Orlando Pirates star had one chance to deliver, and he did not hesitate.
The 21 year old South African calmly stepped forward to take Royale Union Saint Gilloise’s decisive penalty after the shootout had been locked at 4 4. He struck the ball with precision, firing it into the top corner and leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.
The goal sparked scenes of celebration as Mofokeng’s new teammates and supporters erupted, celebrating a victory that marked the youngster’s first trophy since moving to Belgium.
For Mofokeng, the moment represented more than just a successful penalty. It was a sign of trust, confidence and belonging after making the move from South Africa to European football.
“I am happy because I won my first cup here. I am very excited for everyone. They welcomed me so well and have always been there for me,” Mofokeng said.
“They helped me settle and gave me confidence. That is why I had the courage to take the penalty. My teammates are the best, and that is why we won this cup. We are a family and I am happy here.”
Confidence built through training
Mofokeng revealed that his match winning penalty was not a spontaneous decision made during the dramatic shootout. Coach Artur David Hubert had already identified him as one of the players trusted to step up from the spot.
The decision came after the coaching staff watched him repeatedly convert penalties during training sessions.
“Coach Artur came and told us the names of the players who would take penalties. Because they had seen me doing it in training, I think that is why they gave me one,” he explained.
The pressure moment came shortly after Mofokeng had already made an impressive impact by scoring his first goal for the club in his first appearance, a milestone that further strengthened his confidence.
“Scoring my first goal in my first game has boosted my confidence. Now we can keep going,” he said.
Fear, pressure and belief before the final kick
Although Mofokeng looked composed when he struck the winning penalty, he admitted there were nerves before the decisive moment.
“When I put the ball down, I was a little scared because the goalkeeper is a big man and has played for a very big team,” he said.
However, the young midfielder knew that confidence would be the difference between success and failure.
“In moments like that you need confidence, and that is what I had. I took the penalty with confidence and that is why I scored.”
His composure under pressure highlighted the maturity of a player who has quickly adapted to the demands of European football.
A celebration inspired by South Africa
After finding the net, Mofokeng celebrated in a style that reflected his roots. His dance was a reminder of home and the culture he carried with him to Belgium.
“In South Africa we celebrate with dances like that. I just remembered home and that is why I did that dance,” he said.
The celebration was not completely spontaneous either. Mofokeng revealed that he and his teammates had already practised the routine during training, making the trophy celebrations even more memorable.
“We had already practised it during training, so my teammates joined me.”
Mofokeng’s Belgian Super Cup heroics provide another significant chapter in the rise of one of South Africa’s most exciting young football talents. After making his mark at Orlando Pirates, the forward has now taken his first major step on the European stage, showing that he has the confidence and composure to perform when the pressure is at its highest.
