Shandre Campbell: South Africa winger joins KV Kortrijk on four-year deal from Club Brugge

South Africa winger Shandre Campbell has been handed a fresh start in Belgium after KV Kortrijk completed the signing of the highly rated 21-year-old from Club Brugge on a four-year contract.

The Bafana Bafana prospect, who struggled for regular first-team minutes at Brugge, will now look to establish himself in the Belgian Pro League with newly promoted Kortrijk as he targets a return to the national team.

Kortrijk ‘very proud’ of new signing

KV Kortrijk’s sporting director Nils Vanneste said the club believes Campbell can make an immediate impact in their bid to remain in the top flight.

“We are very proud to welcome Shandre Campbell to KV Kortrijk,” said Vanneste.

“With Shandre, we are bringing in someone who brings a lot of creativity, speed and depth. Despite his young age, he has already gained experience in the Belgian First Division. We look forward to Shandre’s first minutes at the club.”

Campbell joined Kortrijk on Monday after agreeing a four-year deal, underlining the club’s long-term faith in his potential.

The move also reunites him with head coach Michiel Jonckheere, who previously worked as an assistant coach at Club Brugge until his departure in June.

Brugge breakthrough proves elusive

Campbell arrived in Belgium from South African side SuperSport United in June 2024 but found it difficult to nail down a starting spot at Brugge, one of the country’s biggest clubs.

The winger made 18 league appearances for the first team, all from the bench, scoring two goals. While he impressed in flashes, competition for attacking places at Brugge limited his opportunities.

It was in the club’s reserve team, playing in the Belgian second tier, where Campbell truly showcased his ability. He scored 11 goals and provided three assists in 25 matches, underlining why he remains so highly regarded.

That form has convinced Kortrijk that Campbell is ready for a more prominent role at senior level, particularly in a side looking to establish itself after promotion.

Bafana ambitions and Afcon push

Campbell was part of South Africa’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Morocco between December and January, but did not feature as coach Hugo Broos preferred a more experienced selection.

His move to Kortrijk is seen as a crucial step in reviving his international prospects, with qualifiers for next year’s Afcon scheduled to begin in September.

Regular game time in Belgium’s top division could strengthen his case for a recall to the Bafana Bafana set-up as Broos weighs his options ahead of the qualifying campaign.

Following a familiar South African path

Campbell becomes the latest South African to wear the Kortrijk colours, following in the footsteps of retired goalkeeper Darren Keet.

He also arrives at a time when another South African, forward Cassius Mailula, is reported to be close to rejoining Mamelodi Sundowns from the Belgian club.

For Campbell, however, the focus will be on cementing a place in Kortrijk’s starting XI, proving he can deliver consistently at the highest level in Belgium and turning his early promise into a sustained top-flight career.