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Shandre Campbell, Club BruggeClub Brugge
Dumisani Koyana

Shandre Campbell: South African teen sensation poised for dream Uefa Champions League debut after being named in Club Brugge's matchday squad to face Aston Villa

The ex-SuperSport attacker, who recently debuted for the Belgian side after shining in the reserves, will aim for minutes against the English side.

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  • Campbell earns UCL squad call-up
  • Brugge focuses on continental success
  • Amajita may miss key talent
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  • Shandre Campbell, Club Brugge, October 2024Getty

    WHAT HAPPENED?

    Shandre Campbell moved to Europe in July 2024 and signed for Belgian side Club Brugge.

    He started in the reserve team, and he impressed with six goals in 15 matches. His performances earned him a promotion to the senior squad, and he is now under coach Nicky Hayen.

    Campbell has been on the bench twice, and he made his debut against Sint-Truiden. He came on as a substitute and played five minutes in that match.

    Club Brugge is set to face Aston Villa in the Uefa Champions League last-16 first leg, and Campbell has been named in the 22-man squad.

    He could achieve a milestone, and he will be hoping to get playing time.

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  • Shandre Campbell, South Africa Under-20, September 2024Backpagepix

    WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR AMAJITA?

    With the Belgian league nearing its final stages, Campbell’s club commitments could rule him out of the U-20 Afcon. The tournament is set to take place in Morocco in April.

    Club Brugge will be in the playoffs and the Belgian Cup final stretch during that period. His club might not release him for international duty.

    He was named in the preliminary Amajita squad of 38 players. The squad includes top PSL talents like Asekho Tiwani, Mfundo Vilakazi, and Langelihle Phili.

  • TOPSHOT-FBL-EUR-C1-PORTO VS CHELSEAAFP

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Playing in the Uefa Champions League is a dream for any player. Campbell follows in the footsteps of Benni McCarthy, the only South African to win the trophy with FC Porto under Jose Mourinho.

    Other SA stars to grace the competition include Steven Pienaar, Percy Tau, Dino Ndlovu and Nasief Morris.

    Thulani Serero also played in the competition before returning to South Africa, as he was recently unveiled by Cape Town City.

    Campbell has only played five minutes of senior football. He will aim to get more game time and prove his worth. Club Brugge was also home to former Bafana Bafana international Elrio van Heerden.

  • Shandre Campbell, Club NXT, February 2025Club NXT

    WHAT NEXT FOR BRUGGE?

    The Belgian side is currently second in the league, they trail Genk by nine points after 28 matches. Their immediate focus is on the Uefa Champions League. They will aim for a strong home performance against Aston Villa.

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