Campbell joins Club Brugge KV

football10 July 2024 15:00
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SuperSport United FC and Belgium league champions Club Brugge KV have agreed terms for the permanent transfer of winger Shandre Campbell for an undisclosed fee.

Campbell has been part of the SuperSport United Soccer Schools system since the age of 11 and has won accolades which include the U12 VW cup (Player of the tournament), the GDL U13 and U15 league trophies and promotion to the DStv Diski Challenge team in 2022.

The 18-year-old played a leading role in helping Matsatsantsa to win the club’s maiden DDC league trophy in the 2022/23 season, scoring 16 goals and being named the clubs DDC Player of the Year.

Shandre was immediately promoted to the first team by Head Coach Gavin Hunt, notching two assists on his professional debut against Richards Bay in the PSL.

He went on to play 24 games, scoring five goals and contributing six assists in the season.

He was nominated for DStv Premiership Young Player of the Year and Nedbank Player of the Year at the PSL awards.

SuperSport United Chairman Khulu Sibiya gives praise to Shandre, “As SuperSport United FC, we are very proud to have produced a talented young man like Shandre. He deserves this opportunity, and we wish him all the best. So Shandre, go out there, play your game and be who you are. We are proud of you and will support you all the way”.

SuperSport United CEO Stanley Matthews adds; “Shandre is a super talented home-grown young player who we are proud to have had in our system since he was 11. He is humble and disciplined and works consistently hard at every training session to improve his game. He has been presented with a unique opportunity at Club Brugge to play in a world-class environment with and against the best players that Europe has to offer.

“We are confident that Shandre will flourish and become one of South Africa’s brightest stars for the next decade. It speaks volumes for the PSL and the Dstv Diski Challenge that Shandre could elevate himself through the PSL ecosystem to the international stage without a trial. We hope he is a catalyst for more of our young players to make their way to the biggest and best leagues in the world. Our Club is part of a Multichoice Group that prides itself on enriching lives and we are delighted to live that value system through this groundbreaking move for Shandre.”

Shandre Campbell comments: “I would firstly like to thank the head coach, Gavin Hunt for putting his faith and trust in me during the season and for never doubting me. I feel privileged to have worked with all the outstanding SuperSport United coaches and support staff who have guided me to be the best that I can be in every age group since I was 11. I would also like to thank the Club Board and management for taking care of me and the other academy players in such a special way.

“A huge thank you to the players as well, without them my move to Europe wouldn’t have been possible. To Mr. Stan Matthews, who always believed in me, encouraged me and helped support my goals. SuperSport United has been so good to me ever since I joined their soccer schools and then their academy until today. This is not a goodbye, but hopefully the beginning of greater things in my career that make you proud. To the whole academy staff who have been my second family, especially the house fathers, aunties and drivers who look after us, thank you so much. Lastly, I must thank my parents and the Almighty for giving me this wonderful opportunity to live my dream. My blood is blue. Forever SuperSport United.”

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