Shandre Campbell, a 19-year-old left winger, left Club Bruges for KV Kortrijk during the off-season in search of playing time. The player has also been called up by South Africa U23s for the Olympic qualifiers against Madagascar.
The transfer is done. Shandre Campbell, a 19-year-old left winger, has left Belgian side Club Bruges to join KV Kortrijk during the off-season, Sportswire reports. The South Africa international explains the move with a simple need: to get playing time and enjoyment back.
“I was looking for playing time”
Having arrived in Europe from SuperSport United in 2024, Campbell played 43 matches for Bruges and their reserve team, with 13 goals and 3 assists, according to Sportswire. His spell at Bruges was also crowned with a Pro League title, a Belgian Cup and a Belgian Super Cup.
On a personal level, it was the lack of playing time that weighed on him. “Of course, as a footballer, you have to be happy in life, no matter what. Club Bruges were good to me, but I wasn’t getting playing time. I looked for an option where I could start getting regular minutes and enjoy playing again,” the player told Sportswire.
At Kortrijk, he says he feels good. “Kortrijk is a lovely club. I love them, and my family and I were welcomed as one of their own. Life is beautiful in Kortrijk. We are clearly building something here,” he added, in comments reported by the same outlet.
Pitso Mosimane’s call
According to Campbell, his selection for the U23s came down to a phone call. “Coach Pitso called me, and he told me he strongly believed in me. He told me I had to come to the U23s and be a senior player there,” Campbell explained to Sportswire.
The 19-year-old, according to AfricaSoccer, had not been included in the squad for the qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea, but had played the friendly against Egypt. He provided the winning assist for Puso Dithejane in the 1-0 win over Egypt in Cairo, according to Sportswire.
Olympic date in sight
South Africa U23s coach Raymond Mdaka has selected Campbell for the double header against Madagascar, on Saturday and then Tuesday, at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville, as part of the Olympic qualifiers.