Shandre Campbell embraces senior role for South Africa Under-23s against Madagascar

Shandre Campbell says he is ready to use his experience with Bafana Bafana to help South Africa’s Under-23 side in their 2028 Olympic Games qualifying matches against Madagascar.

The 21-year-old winger has been brought back from the senior squad after discussions between Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane and Under-23 manager Raymond Mdaka. South Africa face Madagascar on Saturday and Tuesday, with both matches taking place at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville.

Madagascar’s home venues do not meet Fifa standards, meaning the two fixtures will be played in South Africa. The Under-23 squad is currently based in Pretoria as it completes preparations for the qualifiers.

“Coach Pitso called me,” Campbell told the media on Wednesday. “He strongly believes in me, and said he wants me to help the U-23 team as a senior player.

“I said I would do anything for the nation. The U-23s have been my team since Cosafa, so I know everyone very well.”

Campbell believes his time with Bafana Bafana can benefit the rest of the Under-23 squad, although he stressed that he would not approach the team as a senior figure above his team-mates.

“In the first team I had Thapelo Maseko, Luther Singh, Tashreeq [Matthews] and Oswin Appollis, and I always try to learn from them,” he said.

“Coming from Bafana Bafana, I will just try and carry what I have learnt, and try to adapt to the team.”

Campbell also spoke about his move from Club Brugge to fellow Belgian club KV Kortrijk in July, signing a four-year deal after struggling to secure regular playing time at his former club.

The winger said the transfer had allowed him to find a club where he could play more consistently, while adding that he remained grateful for his time at Club Brugge.

“As a footballer, you need to be happy in life no matter what is happening. Club Brugge was good to me. But I didn’t get game time, so I looked for an option where I could play.

“Kortrijk luckily came up. I love them and they took me in as one of their own and life is good there.”