SuperSport United academy product Shandre Campbell's displays at Club NTX are demonstrating that South African young stars are prepared to compete in Europe.
The 19-year-old talent gained recognition from many teams while plying his trade for Matsatsantsa's development sides. He was promoted to the senior team following outstanding performances in the reserve team in 2023.
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The gifted winger seized the opportunity and excelled under Gavin Hunt's mentorship. He demonstrated exceptional talent in the local league, and his remarkable displays attracted the attention of European clubs.
Campbell's dream of playing in Europe became true as the young talent joined Belgian side Club Brugge's reserve team Club NXT at the start of the current season from Matsatsantsa and has experienced a rapid ascent to become a pivotal member of the team.
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The 19-year-old was recently called up for Brugge first team after impressive performances in the club's reserve team. So far, Campbell has been an unused substitute in six games while playing a few minutes in one match for the Belgian football powerhouse.
Nevertheless, as he is still allowed to feature in the Challenger Pro League, the SA U20 star has continued shining at Club NXT. He scored a goal against Jong Genk last Friday to take his tally to eight goals, with two assists in 17 matches for the side so far.
With Campbell being gradually integrated into Brugge's senior team, the teenager seems poised for a promising future in European football and could become one of the greatest players South Africa has ever produced.
Interestingly, Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has also revealed what a son of a three-time Ballon d'Or nominee and 1994 FIFA World Cup Yashin Award winner Michel Preud'homme, Guilian recently told him about Campbell.
''This is someone. If I am thinking about young players and the list we have, I am looking at the future of Bafana Bafana, this is someone who's on the list, I hear very, very, very positive things about Campbell in Brugge,'' Broos said per FARPost.
''In November, I was on the game in Brugge, and the [guy] responsible for youth, the son of Michel Preud'homme [Guilian], is head of youth in Brugge. He came to me, and he was very happy. Guilian said Campbell is close to the first team and has already been on the bench a few times.
''He came in a few times for 10 minutes or so [as a substitute]. They are still [seeing him] little by little. They are bringing him. And that's why he chose a good team. They know how to bring [develop] a player.
''They know how to give him the right formation before joining the first team. And I think maybe already at the end of the season, but certainly next season, he will be someone who will get a chance in Brugge. And then there, with these capacities and qualities, I think we can again have a good, young, talented player.''
