South African star nears UEFA Champions League debut dream
The grand stage of the UEFA Champions League beckons for a South African star this week as the highly anticipated Round of 16 commences.
Following the conclusion of the Round of 32 two weeks ago, the competition intensifies as the remaining 16 clubs prepare to battle for quarterfinal spots with first-leg matches scheduled for this week and next.
Of particular note for South African football is the inclusion of Club Brugge’s Shandre Campbell in their 22-man squad for the clash against the English Premier League side Aston Villa.
The former SuperSport United winger’s selection positions him to potentially make his debut in the prestigious European competition. This is his first inclusion in the squad after he missed out when they played Atalanta in the Playoffs [both legs].
Campbell’s Brugge will host the first leg on Tuesday, 4 March, at the Jan Breydel Stadion, with the kickoff set for 7:45 PM.
The 19-year-old has made just one appearance following his promotion to the senior team in January. He played five minutes when they drew 2-2 against Sint-Truiden in the Jupiler Pro League clash. Meanwhile, he has also been an unused substitute on two occasions.
Meanwhile, the last South African to play in the Champions League was Percy Tau in the 2018/19 season, also with Club Brugge – coincidentally.
During that campaign, Brugge faced formidable opponents in Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Galatasaray in the group stage. The Belgian giants finished third and did not advance to the knockout rounds.
Benni McCarthy remains the only South African player to have won the UEFA Champions League when he achieved this historic feat with FC Porto, defeating AS Monaco in the 2004 final.
CAMPBELL IN CLUB BRUGGE TEAM TO FACE ASTON VILLA IN UCL
GOALKEEPERS
Simon Mignolet, Nordin Jackers, Axl De Corte.
DEFENDERS
Brandon Mechele, Joel Ordóñez, Zaid Romero, Jorne Spileer, Maxim De Cuyper, Kyriani Sabbe, Hugo Siquet.
MIDFIELDERS
Ardon Jashari, Casper Nielsen, Raphael Onyedika, Hans Vanaken, Hugo Vetlesen, Michał Skóraś, Chemsdine Talbi, Christos Tzolis, Shandre Campbell.
FORWARDS
Ferran Jutglà , Gustaf Nilsson, Romeo Vermant.
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