Shandre Campbell embraces South Africa Under-23 role after Bafana Bafana setback

Shandre Campbell says returning to South Africa’s Under-23 squad is not a backward step and has vowed to make the most of the responsibility given to him by senior coach Pitso Mosimane.

The Club Brugge and KV Kortrijk attacker has been selected for the Under-23 side’s two-legged qualifying tie against Madagascar at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium this month. South Africa must overcome the tie to reach next March’s final qualifying round.

Campbell’s return to the junior team comes after a rapid rise in his international career. He had been involved with Bafana Bafana squads for the Afcon finals and earlier qualifiers, while also earning regular playing time in Belgium.

However, he made only one senior appearance, in a friendly against Egypt last month, before moving back to the Under-23 setup.

Speaking at the Tuks training grounds in Pretoria on Wednesday, Campbell said his experiences under Hugo Broos and Mosimane had helped him develop, despite limited opportunities at Afcon.

“Maybe that time wasn’t my time,” Campbell said of his lack of game time at the tournament. “I am grateful for the opportunity now.

“I learn from the past and look to the future. I think that’s how we should approach it – focus on the present and the future, rather than worrying about the past.

“It’s a great opportunity. I have developed and am still developing. I can bring my European experience into this group that continues to work hard. There is no rivalry here; we are a family, and that is how we will go far.”

Campbell said Mosimane had encouraged him to use the assignment as an opportunity to take on greater responsibility within the younger squad.

“Coach Pitso spoke to me and said he strongly believes in me,” Campbell said. “He told me to go to the U-23s, act as a senior figure, and help them as much as possible. I told him: ‘Of course, coach, I will do anything for the nation.’

“The U-23s have felt like my team since the Cosafa (U20) tournament, so I know everyone well. The technical team and players trust me because they know the type of player and person I am. That trust is vital.”

Campbell will work again with Under-23 head coach Raymond Mdaka, who believes the forward’s ability to play in several attacking positions will strengthen the team.

“I have worked with Shandre since Cosafa,” Mdaka said. “He fits the exact profile we need because he can operate both as a central playmaker and out wide, much like Mfundo Vilakazi and Kutlwano Letlhaku.”