Shandre Campbell ready to lead SA U-23s in Olympic qualifiers against Madagascar

Shandre Campbell says he is ready to take on a senior role for the SA U-23s in their 2028 Olympic Games qualifying matches against Madagascar.

The winger was recalled from Bafana Bafana after discussions between Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane and SA U-23 mentor Raymond Mdaka.

South Africa will host both matches at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on Saturday and Tuesday. The fixtures are being played in South Africa because none of Madagascar’s home stadiums meet Fifa standards.

Campbell, 21, said Mosimane had asked him to help guide the younger squad.

“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.”

The squad is currently based in Pretoria as it completes preparations for the two matches.

Campbell hopes his time with Bafana Bafana can benefit his team-mates, although he stressed that he did not see himself as more important than the rest of the group.

“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.”

The forward has also recently moved clubs in Belgium, leaving Club Brugge for KV Kortrijk in July on a four-year deal.

Campbell said the switch was made to secure more regular playing time after a positive spell 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.”