Shandre Campbell tipped to make it big in Europe

Having worked for seven years with South African teen sensation Shandre Campbell, SuperSport United Head of Youth Roscoe Krieling believes he’s destined for a highly successful career in Europe.

Campbell is joining Belgian Jupiler Pro League giants Club Brugge after an excellent first season in the DStv Premiership. 

Krieling, who has coached Campbell in the club’s youth teams – including the DDC, believes he will quickly adapt to European conditions.

"I believe he will be a big success in Europe, and I think he can handle the weather and change of culture, he's got that mentality," said Krieling.

"He wants to break them, and show people he can be successful, so I wish him all the luck over there and obviously we'll be watching him closely to see if potentially there's another move in a few years' time."

Campbell played 30 times for Matsatsansa a Pitori in his first season in top-flight football, scoring five goals and providing six assists, which saw him nominated for the DStv Premiership Young Player of the Season award. 

What further pleases Krieling is that the 18-year-old’s growth is not going to be compromised with more game time almost guaranteed as part of Club Brugge’s Club NXT in the Challenger Pro League.

"The Belgian league seems to be one of the best leagues out there for development of players. If you even look at what's happening in the English Premier League, how many players are bought from the Belgian league," he added.

"I think one of the old Zambian players Enoch Mwepu, he was playing in Belgium and was brought over from there [Ed: Mwepu was playing for RB Salzburg in Austria before moving to Brighton & Hove Albion.]

"I know the Belgian league is a very technical league, and if you look at South African players, we are technically very good, so we're suited to that.

"And now it's about gaining the exposure, and again it helps you adapt to the climate over there, and hopefully he can go over to either Spain, Germany, or even England to go and experience that quality of football."

This article originally appeared on SABC Sport.