As South Africa’s AFCON 2025 preparations reach a critical stage, Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos insists that rising stars like Shandre Campbell must be introduced carefully — not rushed into the spotlight.
AFCON Preparations Enter Final Phase
With the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 fast approaching, the South African national team — Bafana Bafana — are deep in preparation mode. Their upcoming international friendly against Zambia this Saturday is more than just a match; it’s a vital opportunity for coach Hugo Broos to fine-tune his tactics and assess his squad before heading to Morocco.
However, one name missing from the final camp list has stirred debate — Shandre Campbell, the 19-year-old winger dazzling European audiences with Club Brugge in Belgium.
Despite being part of the 50-man provisional squad, Campbell did not make the final cut. And according to Broos, the decision wasn’t about talent — it was about timing.
A Calculated Decision, Not a Snub
Broos, who guided Cameroon to AFCON victory in 2017, has earned a reputation as a meticulous planner. When asked about Campbell’s omission, he offered a clear and composed explanation.
“It’s not the moment now to call those players; we are preparing for AFCON,” Broos said during a media briefing. “Just before a big tournament like AFCON, starting to change things, I don’t think it’s a good idea.”
His reasoning is rooted in squad stability and experience — key ingredients in building a team capable of competing against Africa’s elite. For Broos, the priority is ensuring that the group heading to Morocco is cohesive, mentally strong, and battle-tested at international level.
The Shandre Campbell Phenomenon
Born and developed in South Africa before making the move to Europe, Shandre Campbell represents the next generation of South African footballers breaking into top-tier leagues abroad.
At Club Brugge, one of Belgium’s most prestigious clubs, Campbell has impressed with his pace, creativity, and technical maturity. His performances have not only earned him plaudits in Belgium but also sparked widespread calls for his inclusion in the senior national team.
For many South African fans, Campbell symbolizes the country’s bright football future — a player capable of bringing flair and excitement back to Bafana Bafana’s attacking play.
“I Don’t Want to Kill the Player” — Broos’s Development Philosophy
While acknowledging Campbell’s potential, Broos warned of the dangers of rushing young players into senior international football prematurely.
“The advantage we have now, maybe more than in other years, is that we have a pool of players who already have international experience at youth level,” said Broos.
“It’s up to us now to continue working with them in the next months and years. The future for Bafana Bafana is very bright because there is talent — but you have to be careful not to call those players too soon.”
Broos’s tone was protective rather than dismissive. He stressed that exposing young players too early to the pressures of international tournaments could damage their confidence and development trajectory.
Tylon Smith and the Value of Experience
Alongside Campbell, Tylon Smith, another standout from the South African Under-20 setup, has also attracted attention. Smith’s impressive performances at the FIFA U-20 World Cup further demonstrated the depth of young talent available to Bafana Bafana.
However, Broos has grouped both players into the same category — promising but not yet ready for senior-level competition at a major tournament. By taking this stance, the Belgian tactician is ensuring that when these players do step up, they are mentally and physically prepared to thrive rather than merely survive.
Lessons from South Africa’s Past
South African football has a history of young players being fast-tracked into the senior team before they were ready, often with mixed results. Some shone briefly but struggled to maintain consistency once the initial hype faded.
Broos appears determined to break that cycle. His experience on the African continent has taught him that success in tournaments like AFCON requires not just flair but resilience, tactical discipline, and experience under pressure.
The goal, therefore, is not just to build a competitive team for Morocco 2025 but to create a sustainable pipeline of talent for years to come.
The Missed Opportunity: Campbell’s Absence from the U-20 World Cup
Adding another layer to the story is Campbell’s absence from the U-20 FIFA World Cup, an issue that clearly irked Broos.
“I was a little angry about what happened with him because he couldn’t go to the Under-20 FIFA World Cup,” Broos admitted.
The coach believed that the global tournament would have been the perfect environment for Campbell to continue his growth, offering valuable international exposure before making the leap to the senior level. Missing that opportunity, Broos hinted, reinforced the need to manage Campbell’s development even more carefully — avoiding a rushed promotion to Bafana Bafana.
A Long-Term Vision for South African Football
Despite temporarily closing the door on Campbell’s AFCON participation, Broos remains optimistic about the future of South African football.
“We now have a pool of players who already have international experience on the youth level,” he reiterated. “It’s up to us to continue working with them in the coming months and years.”
This statement reflects a strategic continuity plan — one where the transition from youth football to the senior national team is deliberate, structured, and based on merit rather than media or fan pressure.
Building a Bridge Between Youth and Senior Football
One of the long-standing challenges in South African football has been the disconnect between youth and senior national teams. Many talented youngsters shine at junior levels but struggle to establish themselves in the senior setup due to inconsistent development pathways.
Broos’s approach — though cautious — appears to be addressing this issue head-on. His emphasis on gradual exposure, proper mentorship, and mental preparation could help create a smoother transition for players like Campbell, Smith, and others in the coming years.
The Road to Morocco and Beyond
With the AFCON 2025 tournament on the horizon, Broos’s focus remains on the present — solidifying his core team and fine-tuning tactics through matches like the Zambia friendly. However, it’s clear that his gaze extends far beyond Morocco. The coach is laying a foundation for long-term national team success, one built on maturity, readiness, and strategic player development.
“Shandre is still there. I’m still watching him,” Broos assured.
Conclusion: Patience, Planning, and the Promise of a Golden Generation
In an era where fans and pundits often demand instant results, Hugo Broos’s patience stands out as a mark of experience and foresight. His careful handling of Shandre Campbell’s progression is not an act of conservatism but one of protection — ensuring that talent is nurtured, not consumed by pressure.
If his strategy succeeds, South African football could soon witness a golden generation emerging with the confidence, experience, and stability needed to compete at the highest levels.
When Campbell eventually steps onto the field in Bafana Bafana colors at a major tournament, it will likely be as a refined professional ready to lead, not as a prodigy rushed into the limelight.
And when that moment arrives, Broos’s restraint today will be seen not as hesitation — but as wisdom.
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