Highly-rated South African youngster Shandre Campbell will not be part of the national U-20 squad for the upcoming 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt, coach Raymond Mdaka confirmed this week.
Read: Official: Pirates Announce Riveiro Decision
Campbell, who joined Belgian giants Club Brugge last year, was initially expected to be released for national duty, with Mdaka previously stating that an agreement had been reached with the club. However, the situation has since taken a turn, with Brugge now opting to keep the talented forward.
“Shandre Campbell is not part of the squad. His team (Club Brugge in Belgium) has cited issues of him being in the first team, and also issues of their championship,” Mdaka explained during the official squad announcement.
The tournament, which takes place from 27 April to 18 May 2025, is a key platform for South Africa’s rising stars to showcase their talent on the continental stage. The four teams that reach the semi-finals will also qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile later this year.
While Campbell’s absence is a blow to the team’s attacking options, Mdaka expressed confidence in the selected group, which includes the return of several exciting prospects like Mfundo Vilakazi, Asekho Tiwane, Langelihle Phili, and Siviwe Nkwali.
The 21-man squad, along with four standby players—Gabriel Amato, Thato Sibiya, Naledi Hlongwane, and Thato Mpati—will assemble for camp in Johannesburg on 20 April.
South Africa will be aiming for a top-four finish in Egypt to book their ticket to Chile and continue their development on the world stage, albeit without one of their brightest young stars in Campbell.
Read: Riveiro Breaks His Silence On Pirates Exit
