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Former Orlando Pirates winger Relebohile Mofokeng is attracting interest from two well-known European clubs following an impressive start to his career in Belgium with Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. The South African international has reportedly caught the attention of French Ligue 1 side LOSC Lille and German Bundesliga giants Bayer 04 Leverkusen, who are both monitoring his performances this season.
Mofokeng has made a positive impression since leaving Orlando Pirates to begin a new chapter in European football. The talented winger has quickly adapted to the demands of playing in Belgium and has already shown that he can compete at a high level. His performances have also started attracting attention from clubs outside the country, which could open new opportunities for him in the future.
According to Sky Sports, Lille and Leverkusen are interested in the former Pirates star after his impressive beginning at Union SG. Mofokeng has registered five goals and four assists in 15 appearances across all competitions, making him one of the players to watch at the Belgian club.
The 21-year-old has also enjoyed a memorable moment with his new team after helping them win the Super Cup against Club Brugge. Mofokeng scored the decisive fifth penalty in the shootout, securing the trophy for Union SG and giving himself an opportunity to make an immediate impression on his new supporters.
His performances in the league have been equally impressive. He has scored four goals and provided two assists in nine Jupiler Pro League appearances. In the UEFA Europa League, he has also contributed one goal and one assist in three appearances.
According to French journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Lille have been keeping a close eye on Mofokeng's development and are monitoring his performances in Belgium. The French club are reportedly interested in what the Bafana Bafana winger has shown since arriving at Union SG.
However, Lille are not the only European club following his progress. Leverkusen have also taken notice of his performances and reportedly appreciate the excellent start he has made at the Belgian outfit.
The Bundesliga side already have a positive relationship with Union SG after signing Nigerian striker Victor Boniface from the Belgian club. Boniface impressed during his time in Belgium before moving to Germany, where he continued developing his career. That existing relationship could become relevant if Leverkusen decide to take their interest in Mofokeng further.
For now, there is no confirmation that either club has submitted an official offer for the South African. Their reported interest, however, shows that Mofokeng's performances are attracting attention in important European football markets.
The winger will have another opportunity to impress when Union SG face Spanish side Celta Vigo in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday. It will be an important match for the Belgian club as they look to continue their positive start to the competition.
Union SG have collected two victories and one draw from their opening three Europa League matches. Their performances suggest that they are capable of competing against strong opposition, while Mofokeng has already demonstrated that he can contribute at this level.
Their domestic campaign has also been encouraging. Union SG currently occupy second position in the league standings after recording eight victories and two draws. They are just one point behind leaders Club Brugge, keeping them firmly involved in the title race.
Mofokeng's immediate responsibility will be to maintain his performances and help his team achieve its objectives. However, the reported interest from Lille and Leverkusen will undoubtedly attract attention from South African football supporters.
His departure from Orlando Pirates was an important step in his career, and his early performances in Belgium suggest that the move is already giving him valuable experience. If he continues scoring goals, providing assists and performing consistently in the Europa League, more European clubs could start monitoring his progress.
For South African football, seeing a young Bafana Bafana international attract attention from clubs in Germany and France is encouraging. Mofokeng still has plenty of room to develop, but his start at Union SG has placed him in a promising position as he continues building his reputation in Europe.
Source: IDiskiTimes