‘I am who I am today because of him’: Shandre Campbell
SA starlet Shandre Campbell has identified a highly-rated PSL coach as the individual who elevated his game to new heights in professional football.
Campbell burst onto the South African football scene during an impressive debut season with SuperSport United in the Betway Premiership. This was last in the 2023/24 campaign, following his standout performance in the DStv Diski Challenge [DDC].
At SuperSport, the 19-year-old attacker scored five goals and provided six assists in 30 games in all competitions.
His stellar performances with Matsatsantsa caught the eye of Belgian giants Club Brugge, who swiftly secured his signature ahead of the 2024/25 season.
While initially integrated into Club Brugge’s development side, Club NXT, who compete in the Challenger Pro League – the second tier of Belgian football, Campbell has seamlessly transitioned to European football.
The talented winger has made an immediate impact, contributing five goals in eight matches across all competitions for Club NXT, demonstrating his burgeoning talent on the international stage.
GAVIN HUNT’S IMPACT: SHANDRE CAMPBELL ACKNOWLEDGES KEY ROLE IN HIS DEVELOPMENT
Campbell has expressed deep gratitude towards coach Gavin Hunt, acknowledging his significant role as a source of strength during challenging times at the club.
Hunt’s unwavering support has continued even after Campbell’s move to Europe, with the coach regularly expressing his encouragement by publicly commenting on the youngster’s performances for Club NXT on social media.
“Gavin Hunt, I always say this, ‘I respect that coach so much’. When I was down, he was there to lift me up. He kept me going and encouraged me to improve and be better,” Campbell told FARPost.
“When I needed help he was there, just a phenomenal coach to work with and a very good human being, I love him.
“I am who I am today because of him. But credit should also go to the whole SuperSport system, coach Roscoe [Krieling] too for believing in me and Stan Matthews [SuperSport United CEO].
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