Shandre Campbell determined to earn Bafana Bafana call-up

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South African youngster Shandre Campbell is determined to ensure he makes it into the national team in the near future.

Campbell has enjoyed a meteoric rise in 2024, shining for SuperSport United, before sealing a dream move to Europe, where he joined Belgian giants Club Brugge.

The 19-year-old started in the club’s second-string side, Club NXT, where he has scored five goals in eight games, but even as he begins his career abroad, he hopes it will yield into a Bafana Bafana call-up in future.

Photo by @COSAFAMEDIA

Campbell is drawing inspiration from the impressive performance of the U20 team which won the 2024 COSAFA Tournament to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Campbell dreams of Bafana call-up

The team scored 16 goals with the teen sensation on target three times during the tournament held in Mozambique.

“Definitely! The goal is to represent Bafana Bafana one day,” Campbell told iDiski Times.

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

“But I know it’s all in God’s timing. When my time comes, I’ll be ready and will give it my all. It feels amazing, you know – winning a cup for my national team [U20] and contributing to the nation is such a proud moment for me.”

Campbell will be encouraged by the journey of Orlando Pirates youngster Relebohile Mofokeng whose rise to prominence with the Buccaneers has seen him called up to the national team this year.

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

Joel Oliver

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Joel Oliver is a sports journalist covering South Africa, with 16 years in sports media and a Bachelor's Degree in Communication. Focused on football analysis and responsible gambling, his work has appeared on GOAL and Pulse Sports Kenya, and he is a regular football analyst on TV and radio.