Club Brugge secured their first Crocky Cup triumph in nearly a decade with a 2-1 win over Anderlecht in Sunday’s final, marking a significant milestone for young South African winger Shandre Campbell.
Although the 19-year-old was not included in the matchday squad, Campbell received a winner’s medal and joined his teammates in the celebrations following a hard-fought victory at the King Baudouin Stadium.
The cup win is Club Brugge’s 12th in history, placing them ahead of Anderlecht, who remain on nine titles.
Brugge’s victory was driven by a standout performance from 21-year-old striker Romeo Vermant, who found the net in both halves.
His clinical finishing put Brugge firmly in control of the encounter before Anderlecht mounted a late response. Luis Vazquez pulled one back for the Brussels outfit, but it proved too little, too late to deny their rivals the trophy.
For Campbell, the moment represents the first piece of silverware in his European career. Since his arrival from SuperSport United in July 2024, the teenager has steadily impressed within the Club NXT ranks, Brugge’s reserve side competing in the Challenger Pro League, where he has registered nine goals and two assists in 19 appearances.
His promising form earned him a promotion to the senior squad earlier this year. He made his professional debut in February and was later named in the UEFA Champions League squad for the quarter-final tie against Aston Villa, though he did not feature in that match.
Despite limited playing time at senior level so far, Campbell’s development has not gone unnoticed, with the club viewing him as a key prospect for the future.
The cup final victory is particularly significant for Brugge, who last lifted the trophy in the 2014–15 season. Their latest success not only reinforces their standing in Belgian football but also adds momentum to their ongoing title challenge in the league.
Currently just one point adrift of league leaders Union Saint-Gilloise in the championship play-off group, Brugge remain firmly in contention as the season approaches its climax.
Campbell, tied to the club until 2027, is now aiming to break further into the first-team picture as Brugge continue their push on both domestic fronts.
With matches of increasing importance on the horizon, including a home fixture against Genk, the opportunity for the young South African to contribute on the pitch may soon arrive.
While Sunday’s final may not have included him on the team sheet, the experience of being part of a trophy-winning squad is certain to fuel Campbell’s ambitions.
As Brugge’s campaign intensifies, so too does the spotlight on one of South Africa’s emerging talents seeking to make his mark in European football.
