Shandre Campbell snub for Bafana Bafana friendly explained

In the final FIFA international break of the year, Bafana will assemble for their final fixture before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco in December, with 22 players called up for a test run against The Chipolopolo at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on 15 November.

Broos had already explained his thinking in making minimal changes to his squad that successfully qualified the nation to next year's FIFA World Cup, but was asked explicitly about 20-year-old Belgium-based winger Campbell.

"I think it's a little bit the same [situation] as I said about the goalkeepers – it's not the moment now to call such players, we are preparing for AFCON," highlighted Broos.

"Shandre is with that selection of 45-50 players, along with other players, but I think just before a big tournament like AFCON, starting or changing things, I don't think it's a good idea.

"Shandre is still there, I'm still watching him. I was a little bit angry about what happened with him when he couldn't go to the U20 World Cup.

"Brugge told me that they will give him chances, well when you see how many chances he's getting, it was barely anything, so I'm a little bit disappointed about that.

But again, now the most important thing for us – and we focus everything on this – is AFCON, and that [selection] will be something for later."

READ: Broos rules out Lorch return despite Wydad form

The 73-year-old coach, who has already hinted that he will be retiring from the touchline after the 2026 global showpiece in North America, noted that he may look to integrate some of the next generation into his setup in the next FIFA window in March.

"Again, we have to look at the future, and maybe we can introduce some players in March already, perhaps not to go to the World Cup but already to introduce them a little bit in the Bafana Bafana team," he added.

"And after the World Cup, maybe it will not be me anymore but for the guy who's coming next after me, he will already know those guys can maybe be the next Bafana Bafana players." 

Campbell was an unused substituted as Brugge's thrilling 3-3 UEFA Champions League draw with FC Barcelona at Jan Breydel Stadium on Wednesday night.