Club Brugge signs Shandre Campbell from SuperSport United
Shandre Campbell, an inductee into the SuperSport Schools Class of 2023, has officially joined Club Brugge, the reigning champions of the Belgian Pro League.
His first step towards playing for the 19-time Belgian champions will be to turn out for Club NXT, their youth academy, which competes in the Challenger Pro League, the second flight of Belgian football.
Campbell has rapidly emerged as one of the most promising young players in South African football and enjoyed a memorable debut season in the SuperSport United first team, under the guidance of coach Gavin Hunt.
He played in 30 games, across all competitions, in the 2023/24 season, including 20 games in the DStv Premiership, six matches in the CAF Confederations Cup, three in the Nedbank Cup, and one in the MTN 8 Cup and scored six goals.
Campbell, who turns 19 on 15 July, was nominated for the DStv Premiership Young Player of the Season, which was ultimately won by Orlando Pirates winger, Relebohile Mofokeng.
The SuperSport United winger garnered significant attention and attracted interest from, among others, Dutch champions Feyenoord and Danish Superliga title-holders FC Midtjylland. However, it was Club Brugge who secured his signature.
In a statement, Club Brugge said: “Club NXT has strengthened itself with Shandre Campbell. The 18-year-old South African is being acquired from SuperSport United. Shandre Campell wants to continue to develop in Europe and finds a development programme tailored to his needs at Club Brugge.”
SuperSport United CEO Stan Matthews commented: “Shandre is humble and disciplined and works consistently hard in every training session to improve his game. He has been given a unique opportunity at Club Brugge to play with and against best players Europe has to offer in a world-class environment.”
His parents, Clarissa and Rishaan Campbell told SuperSport PSL 202 that they are proud of what their son has achieved.
Clarissa Campell said: “We just want to wish him the best. We know he’s going to make it. We stand fully behind him, as a family.
“He just needs to stay positive and humble and go out there to do what he does best. He knows what it takes it to be the best, and keep on working hard, Shandre.”
She added: “Keep on praying. Keep on believing. Keep on staying positive. You are real blessing to us, and we thank God for that.”
Rishaan Campbell, emotionally, wished his son well, saying: ” Shandre, your father wants to wish you all the best and only the best in your life. Shandre, I have never doubted you.
“I remember when we spent time together, going into different areas, just to give you a proper training session. You have never said no. Remember that. Go with that mindset to the other side of the world.
“The world is at your feet my son. I love you, Shandre, and I know you will never disappoint us.”
