Kortrijk winger Shandre Campbell has opened up about being asked to step down to the national U23 side after his debut in the senior team saying he’s always willing to help the nation in any way.
Campbell, 21, was called up to the Bafana Bafana squad in the September 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea and the follow up international friendly against Egypt. He featured in the friendly against the Pharaohs coming off the bench to assist fellow debutant Puso Dithejane to help Bafana win the game 1-0.
- ALSO READ: Mdaka Admits ‘Closed Book’ Ahead Of Olympic Qualifiers
- Bafana Star Headlines Mdaka’s Final U23 Squad For Olympics Qualifiers
The senior team is currently in camp preparing for the PAMOJA tournament qualifiers against co-hosts Kenya at the same time Amaglug-glug are also preparing for the Olympic qualifier against Madagascar with the youngsters with the junior national team.
He told the media on Wednesday how Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane and U23 mentor Raymond Mdaka spoke to him about the U23 side needing his experience and how this was a sign of trust in him by the coaches.
“Coach Pitso did call me he told me he strongly believes in me,” said Campbell.
“And he said he wants to me to go down to the U23 team and be a senior player and you know help them out as much as I can. And I said, of course, coach, I will do anything for the nation. And the U23 team has also been my team since COSAFA.
“So, I know everyone very well, and coach Pitso and coach Raymond, they all believe in me. They trust me which I love the most. They trust me. They know the type of player and person I am, and trust is important. So, I thank them for trusting me.”
‘I’m no bigger than everyone else’
Campbell also reflected on his time with Bafana, how everyone was helpful to him adding that this doesn’t make him bigger than his teammates in the junior side.
“Well, of course in the first team I had Thapelo Maseko, I had Luther [Singh], I had Tashreeq [Matthews], I had Oswin [Appollis],” he added.
“I always try and learn from them. Ronza [Ronwen Williams] also, you know, I always try and take information and try and learn from them.
“So, I think coming from Bafana Bafana down to the U23 national team, I just try and see what I’ve learned and try to adapt it to U23. But I’m no bigger than anyone here I’m the same as everyone else.”