Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos says the exclusion of Shandre Campbell is to allow him to remain with the Amajita squad for the upcoming U20 FIFA World Cup.
Campbell, 19, was the top scorer for Club NXT in his first season in Belgium which earned him promotion to the Club Brugge first team, which followed on from his impressive form with the U20 national team.
ALSO READ: SAFA Confirm New-Look Technical Team For Cosafa Cup
Chiefs Dominate Bafana Squad For COSAFA Cup
The SuperSport United academy product won the Player of the Tournament at the U20 Cosafa Cup, which was won by South Africa and qualified them for the Africa Cup of Nations, where Raymond Mdaka led the squad to the title in Egypt this month.
However, Campbell was not released for the tournament, but is likely to be available for the global event in Chile which kicks off in September this year.
“I didn’t not include because of his performances… I want him to go in September with [Amajita] to the World Cup in September, so it’s no use to call him, even when we should have, Brugge couldn’t [release him],” Broos explained.
“I think it’s better for him to make that step, with U20, and it’s a World Cup – so it will be a high level against good opponents, so to make that step before to Bafana Bafana.”
Campbell netted nine goals with two assists in 19 games in the second tier of Belgian football this season and featured twice off the bench for Brugge, who finished second in the league.
Did you know that the iDiski Times Digital Newspaper is completely free! Download it now by clicking the button below or fill in the form to have it sent to you every week.
