National teams’ synergy takes shape as Campbell reveals Mosimane’s U23s call

By Velile Mnyandu
11th November 2026

The synergy between Bafana Bafana and the junior national teams is in full swing, and Belgian-based international Shandre Campbell revealed that an important call from Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane explained his role in the new U23 national team.

Campbell is part of head coach Raymond Mdaka’s U23 team, which is preparing to start the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) U23 qualifiers this weekend against Madagascar in Pretoria. Last month, Campbell was part of the Bafana squad that beat Egypt 1-0 in an international friendly and provided an assist. But he understands his role here.

"Yes, Coach Pitso did call me. He told me he strongly believes in me, and he said he wants me to go to the U23 team and be a senior player, to help them out as much as I can. So I said, 'Of course, Coach, I will do anything for the nation," said Campbell

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"I have also been part of the U23 team since COSAFA, so I know everyone very well, including Coach Raymond. They all believe in me – they trust me, which I love the most. They know the player and person that I am, and trust is important, so I thank them for trusting me."

Campbell is no stranger to this team; he was part of this project when it started in 2024 and helped the team win the COSAFA U20 Championships, where he was voted as the player of the tournament. But he hasn’t been with the group consistently due to club commitments and missed out on the AFCON U20 success and the U20 FIFA World Cup in Chile. But the 21-year-old is back now and focused on picking up where he left off.

Campbell, who recently moved from Club Brugge FC to K.V. Kortrijk in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League, will be expected to play a leading role in this team, coming from the star-studded Bafana Bafana squad. With the experience gained in last month’s camp, he has no doubt he can do it.

This U23 project is also a true definition of how SAFA should continue to build its national teams, players who grow up together with their technical teams as well. Mdaka and his assistant, Karabo Mogudi, have been with this group since 2024, and 15 players in the current group of 23 started with them. For Campbell, this is what makes the difference.