A number of youngsters have come through the ranks of South African football in recent years, and both Shandre Campbell and Emile Witbooi are part of that list. The latter is making waves and wowing crowds in the DStv Diski Challenge, with Cape Town City chairman John Comitis recently telling the media the attacking midfielder is so good he should be on the radar of teams like Barcelona already. Campbell, meanwhile, has been outwitting more established players in the topflight and is touted for big things in the game. Last week, sports apparel manufacturer PUMA announced that the duo, along with Mfundo Vilakazi of Kaizer Chiefs and Cape Town Spurs sensation Luke Baartman, have joined their South African football family. Soccer Laduma caught up with Campbell and Witbooi as they talk about how their young careers are shaping up so far and what they enjoy most about laying in their respective positions.
I love everything about football
Soccer Laduma: Hi Shandre, thanks for taking time out to speak to Soccer Laduma readers. You have really caught the eye of football lovers with your displays since making the step up to the SuperSport United first team at the beginning of this season. But first things first, where does scoring a brace against Orlando Pirates just before Christmas last year fit into your highlights?
Shandre Campbell: It fits in perfectly because it was the perfect Christmas gift for the SuperSport family, and it contributed a lot to my profile.
SL: So, why did you join Matsatsantsa?
SC: I've always been with SuperSport United, so it was always in my heart.
SL: Your goals?
SC: My goal for 2024 is to a better football player. I want to be a game changer, score more goals, and have more assists. I also want to win trophies with the team and individual awards. If I achieve all these, I'm sure I'll have an opportunity to play abroad.
SL: What do you enjoy about your position?
SC: Setting up goals and scoring myself. You need to have skill, speed, and great endurance levels to play as a winger.
SL: You mention setting up goals and scoring yourself. But between the two, which is more
fun?
SC: Both are amazingly satisfying. The feeling you get when assisting a teammate and when scoring… priceless.
SL: What are your strengths as a player?
SC: Speed and skill. I can take on defenders one v one, hold them off to protect the ball and outsprint them if needed.
SL: Tell us about the areas of your game you are focusing on.
SC: My one v ones, free kicks, and shots from outside the box.
SL: Do you have someone who is guiding you?
SC: Yes, my parents. And God watches over my life as I go through the journey.
SL: Who is your football hero?
SC: Cristiano Ronaldo. He works hard, he's disciplined, and has this amazing belief in his abilities to make his dreams a reality.
SL: What do you love about the game?
SC: What I love about football is that it's a sport you can play with love and passion and it's a very special career. I also love football for the freedom it offers.
SL: What don't you like?
SC: I love everything about football, the nerves, the adrenaline, training and game preparation, and the stadium atmosphere.
SL: When you watch football live or on TV, are you working or watching just like an ordinary fan out there?
SC: I watch tactics, player movements, especially wingers, to see how they position themselves to receive the ball and their reaction after losing the ball.
SL: What is the best advice you have been given?
SC: 'You don't lose what you learn but learn with a purpose.' That was from coach Gavin Hunt.
SL: Please share your advice to aspiring footballers.
SC: Without goals, dreams are just dreams. So, set your goals with timeframes and make sure you stick to the plan. It might take a while, don't give up, be patient and watch the process unfold.
SL: Which boots do you play in?
SC: PUMA FUTURE Ultimate 7. Boots made for creative players like me.
SL: Why did you decide to partner with the brand?
SC: It's the best global brand. I love their commitment to players and how they are growing the sport. Secondly, they offer high-end performance and lifestyle apparel and footwear. But more importantly, the people at PUMA have been very hands-on and accommodating.
SL: What social media content do you share?
SC: I am active on Instagram and TikTok. I share football advice and photos of the games I play.
I like their style of play
Soccer Laduma: Emile, you've been the talk of the town in the DStv Diski Challenge for a while now, so we are excited to be speaking to you. First up, tell us about the experience of playing in the SA U16 team in the UEFA development tournament in Poland last year.
Emile Witbooi: It's always an honour to represent my country and play against other young players from different countries.
SL: And how did you benefit from your time at the School of Excellence?
EW: I developed as a player, both tactically and technically. The coaches also instilled confidence in us.
SL: What do you consider to be your strengths as a player?
EW: Dribbling and making forward passes.
SL: What areas of your game are you focusing on in order to grow?
EW: Defending. I need to be more involved when we don't have the ball.
SL: Talk to us about your goals.
EW: (I want) To develop to be the best player I can be and make sure I make it to the PSL and eventually abroad.
SL: Do you have someone who is guiding you?
EW: Yes, my father. He's still playing at the highest level.
SL: What is the best advice you have been given?
EW: Be passionate about what you do and it'll never feel like work.
SL: Your advice to other aspiring footballers?
EW: Keep working on your development. Never give up, and do your best all the time, God will do the rest.
SL: What do you love about football?
EW: It's where I can express myself freely.
SL: What don't you like?
EW: Injuries. They can derail one's progress and take away the work that has been put in.
SL: What do you enjoy about your position?
EW: Creating goalscoring chances by dribbling or making passes. One needs to have a big heart and a great football IQ to succeed in my position.
SL: Why did you decide to join Cape Town City?
EW: I want to develop further and become the best version of myself. Off the pitch, you'll find me at the beach.
SL: When you watch football on TV, do you relax and enjoy the game or are you working?
EW: I watch how other players make forward passes to turn defenders, which channels to attack, and how to position oneself in and around the box.
SL: Which boots do you play in?
EW: PUMA Future Ultimate 7. They are for ballers who own the game and create exciting moments in the game.
SL: Why did you decide to partner with PUMA?
EW: I love the brand, they are top. I believe they have my best interest at heart. They take care of my needs while I focus on my development.
SL: What type of content do you share on social media?
EW: I only share football content, of amazing games and training posts. Both imagery and videos.
SL: Who are your football heroes?
EW: Themba Zwane and Surprise Ralani. I like their style of play.
