Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has cautioned eager supporters to temper their expectations regarding Relebohile Mofokeng’s European move. 

The national mentor warned that the 20-year-old winger faces a gruelling physical adaptation period upon joining Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.

Broos emphasised that the Belgian Pro League demands immense power and intensity that the young star does not yet possess. 

He expects the club to focus heavily on building the youngster's fitness during his first half-year abroad.

“I also think that you do not have to expect that from the first day he will play because Rele has to be stronger. It is a very tough competition in Belgium. So I think the first five or six months they will put him in fitness to get a little bit stronger,” Broos explained.

Despite the reality check, the experienced coach remains entirely supportive of the transfer to his home country. 

He believes this step is exactly how South Africa’s brightest talents must organise their progression into elite football.

“I think it is a good thing for him. I think he will progress,” Broos said.

The endorsement follows confirmation from Orlando Pirates that a transfer agreement has been reached with the Belgian outfit. 

The move remains subject to the finalisation of personal terms and a successful medical examination.

Meanwhile, the Soweto giants revealed that the deal was intentionally kept quiet until after the FIFA World Cup to protect the player's focus.

“An agreement in principle between Orlando Pirates and Union Saint-Gilloise was in fact reached before the start of the FIFA World Cup. 

“Both parties made the joint decision to hold off on any public announcement until after the tournament, wanting Mofokeng to focus fully on the World Cup with Bafana Bafana without the distraction of transfer talk, and to allow the national team’s historic run to take centre stage,” the club’s statement read.