An emotional farewell from Orlando Pirates marks the end of a remarkable journey as one of South Africa’s brightest young talents heads to Belgium.
Johannesburg, South Africa (07 July 2026) – It is the end of one chapter and the beginning of another for one of South Africa’s brightest football stars. After an unforgettable spell in the famous black and white of Orlando Pirates, Relebohile Mofokeng is set to begin an exciting new adventure in Belgium with Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.
While the move has only now been officially announced, reports suggest the agreement between the two clubs was finalised before Bafana Bafana’s historic FIFA World Cup campaign, with both parties choosing to keep the deal under wraps to allow the 21-year-old to focus entirely on representing South Africa on the global stage.
As the news became official, Orlando Pirates shared an emotional farewell video celebrating one of the club’s most exciting academy graduates. The tribute revisited the memorable moments, headlines and performances that turned Mofokeng into a fan favourite, thanking him for the impact he made during his time in Soweto.
The move comes after a remarkable 2025/26 campaign in which Mofokeng played a key role in helping the Buccaneers lift the Betway Premiership title. His outstanding performances also earned him nominations in four of the league’s biggest end-of-season awards.
South African football fans will undoubtedly miss seeing Mofokeng light up the Betway Premiership every weekend. Not forgetting that he was affectionately nicknamed “President Yama 2000” or “Cocomelon” by supporters because of his young age when he burst onto the scene. Now, as he heads to Europe, fans will be hoping this is only the beginning of an even bigger journey.
As one journey comes to an end, another begins.
Yes. President Yama 2000 has arrived. 💛💙
Relebohile Mofokeng joins Royale Union Saint-Gilloise on a four year-deal. More information on https://t.co/fGFFdLtPin. pic.twitter.com/SPUNfcjN9z
— Royale Union Saint-Gilloise (@UnionStGilloise) July 2, 2026
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