Shandre Campbell’s proud parents have encouraged the teenage prodigy to continue working hard and remain humble as the youngster begins a new chapter at Belgian giants Club Brugge.
Campbell has secured a dream move to the 19-time Jupiler Pro League champions following an impressive Premier Soccer League (PSL) debut season with SuperSport United.
The 18-year-old was bought from SuperSport for an undisclosed fee, a move that has delighted South Africans, especially his close-knit family.
Campbell’s father Rishaan has been heavily involved in shaping Campbell’s career and understandably struggled to contain his emotion in a video shared by SuperSport.
“Shandre, your father wants to wish you all the best and only the best in your life,” Rishaan said while holding back tears.
“Shandre, I’ve never doubted you. I remember the days when we spent time together, going into different areas just to give you a proper training session, you never said ‘No’, go with that mindset into the other side of the world,” Campbell senior said.
“The world is at your feet, my son. I love you Shandre and I know you will never disappoint us.”
For Campbell Junior, it was always written in the stars that he was destined for greatness.
The youngster had at least two people, a man of cloth, prophesying a very bright future for him.
“I want you to remember when Bishop Wayne put that emblem of SA on you and was praying for you and he said ‘Shandre it’s going go well with you. There’s a champion in you,” Rishaan said.
“And thank you Shandre for taking note of all our sacrifices. They were not in vain.
“As a child, you show all of us how disciplined you are, how committed and dedicated you are. As your father, I remember when I said to you, ‘One day is one day.’
“And remember the day at the airport when that guy, an unknown person, came to you and said ‘You will make it. You are going to play for Manchester United,’ and now that prophecy has come to fulfilment.”
Clarissa and Rishaan Campbell - Shandre's parents, share an emotional message of support to their son who’s completed a dream move to Club Brugge.#MatsatsantsaUnified | #ForeverSpartan pic.twitter.com/FANYZzu5Cy
— SuperSport United FC (@SuperSportFC) July 10, 2024
Shandre’s mother Clarissa said the family is confident their son is going to make it abroad.
“We would like to wish him the best, we know he is going to make it and we will stay fully behind as a family,” Clarissa said.
“He just needs to stay positive, and humble, go out there and do what he does best. He knows what it takes to be the best and keep working hard Shandre.
“We are grateful that you want to give us, as the parents, a good and better life. We are grateful that we sacrificed everything, and it came out right. We are excited about what the future holds for us, as your parents, siblings and for yourself.
“We are grateful for the door that opened because if it wasn’t for God, I don’t think you would’ve been where you are today. Keep on praying, keep on believing and stay positive.”
SuperSport United CEO Stan Matthews shares a heartfelt message to Shandre Campbell who is in Belgium following the finalization of his transfer to Club Brugge ✅#MatsatsantsaUnified | #ForeverSpartan pic.twitter.com/uAdrUqGuPK
— SuperSport United FC (@SuperSportFC) July 10, 2024
