Broos explains why he selected Smith and Campbell in final Bafana AFCON team

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Broos explains why he selected Smith and Campbell in final Bafana AFCON team
Tylon Smith and Shandre Campbell.

Bafana Bafana boss Hugo Broos has given the reasons for the inclusion of youngsters Tylon Smith and Shandre Campbell into the final team for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Smith and Campbell, were surprise names in the provisional squad released by Broos last month but few thought they would make it to the final 25-man squad.

Tylon Smith celebrates his goal against Nigeria at 2025 AFCON U20. Photo CAF

However, the Bafana coach handed them a massive opportunity by naming them in the final team when other more experienced players were left out but the Belgian tactician feels it is the right time to start integrating them into the senior team.

Smith and Campbell are top-rated youngsters

Smith and Campbell are two highly-rated players with the former, a central defender, who was named Player of the Tournament as South Africa won the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations, while the latter, a winger, is now a member of Club Brugge’s senior team, having made six appearances in the league and one in the UEFA Champions League, albeit very late, this season.

Shandre Campbell after his Club Brugge unveiling. Photo: Club Brugge
Shandre Campbell after his Club Brugge unveiling. Photo: Club Brugge

Broos says he thought it wise to have the 20-year-olds in the team so that they can learn on the job since he has plenty of options in their positions from the other 23 players.

“This is different from qualifiers so you cannot make so many experiments,” Broos said on SABC TV when unveiling his final squad on Monday.

Why did Broos select the Amajita stars?

“We need a result but when I come to Tylon and Shandre, we have 23 players whom I will count on 100 per cent [but] they are there to have the experience.

“I can do that now because we have a number of players who will play the games and they just have to learn and I think this is a great opportunity for them to be there. For other positions, I could not do it and that is why they are here with us.”

Smith also played a key part in South Africa’s run to the 2025 U20 FIFA World Cup Round of 16, this coming after his U20 AFCON heroics earned him a dream transfer to English Championship side Queens Park Rangers from Stellenbosch FC.

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.

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