DStv Premiership: SuperSport teenage sensation Shandre Campbell completes historic move to Belgium giants Club Brugge

Campbell joins an elite list of South African footballers to have played for a team of Club Brugge’s stature.

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Born on 15 July 2005, Campbell joined SuperSport at the age of 11 and shone throughout junior levels to earn a place in the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) team in 2022.

The Johannesburg-born winger was instrumental in SuperSport winning their first-ever DDC league title in the 2022/2023 season in which he scored 16 goals and won the club’s Player of the Year.

He was quickly promoted to the first team by head coach Gavin Hunt and immediately thrust into the starting lineup on the opening day of the season – making setting up both goals in a 2-0 win over Richards Bay FC in what was his professional debut – a sign of things to come.

He immediately became a crucial member of the first team making 30 appearances across all competitions – scoring five goals, making six assists and earning nominations for the DStv Premiership Young Player of the Year and Nedbank Player of the Year at the PSL awards.

Campbell becomes the first player from SuperSport United to be signed by a European club and thanked everyone at SuperSport involved in his development since the age of 11, making special mention of head coach Gavin Hunt.

“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,” said the 18-year-old.

“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.