The DStv Diski Challenge is celebrating a decade of blooding in the best youngsters South Africa has to offer, with standout graduates regularly making it into the Premier Soccer League, Africa’s (PSL’s) most lucrative domestic league.
South Africa’s premier development league’s latest export is former SuperSport United wing forward Shandre Campbell, who is now spreading his wings in Europe’s biggest leagues thanks in large part to the solid foundation the DStv Diski Challenge provided.
Having lit up the famed developmental league, Campbell went on to do the business as a prodigious talent under the mentorship of legendary PSL coach Gavin Hunt at SuperSport United.
This saw the talented striker earn a move to Europe as Club NXT, the academy team of Belgian heavyweights Club Brugge, swooped in for his services in 2024, following a breakthrough debut PSL season.
Prior to his move to Europe, the youngster had been with Matsatsantsa since the age of nine. The 2022/23 Diski Challenge season proved a massive stepping stone to the top as he finished as the club’s top goal scorer and second overall in the league with 16 goals.
Campbell caught the eye of coach Nicky Hayen, resulting in a debut in the Belgian Pro league against Sint-Truidense V.V. His hard work paid off, with the attacker making the matchday squad in the Uefa Champions League round of 16 games against Aston Villa.
Though Brugge fell to a 6-1 aggregate defeat to Unai Emery’s Villains and Campbell was an unused substitute in both legs, this served as a major personal and professional achievement for the youngster as it no doubt provided invaluable atmospheric experience.
“It’s an unbelievable achievement for Shandre to be involved in the Champions League even though they lost,” said his former coach, Gavin Hunt. “I think it can open even more doors for him going forward seeing as he’s only 19 years old.”
As the Uefa Champions League is at the business end of the tournament, Campbell’s matchday inclusion is a testimony to the level of talent the DStv Diski Challenge can hone.
'VERY PROUD AND HONOURED'
The celebrated South African coach, who recently reached the incredible milestone of 1000 top-flight games as a coach in the country, added that “it’s a great achievement and we’re all very proud and very honoured to watch his progress now going forward.”
Though he did not make it onto the pitch, Campbell was still able to get a selfie with former Manchester United hitman and now Aston Villa number 9, Marcus Rashford, sending South African football circles into a frenzy at the end of the first leg.
Brugge is fast becoming a haven for South Africa’s brightest talents to continue to nurture their skills, with Percy Tau famously representing the team in the same competition – most notably putting in an eye-catching performance at the Santiago Bernabeu.
According to Hunt, as Tau did, the next step for Campbell is as clear as day.
“I think the next move is to get into the first team permanently, which I’m sure by next season he’ll be a lot closer to playing more. We look forward to his progress and good luck.”
South African football fans can watch tomorrow’s stars today in the DStv Diski Challenge only on your World of Champions, SuperSport. With a feast of derbies on offer during this long weekend, fans are in for an action-packed lineup of fixtures.
FIXTURES
Saturday, 22 March 2025
Chippa United Reserves v Stellenbosch FC Reserves
Magesi Reserves v TS Galaxy Reserves
Mamelodi Sundowns Reserves v SuperSport United Reserves
Marumo Gallants Reserves v Sekhukhune United Reserves
Sunday, 23 March 2025
Polokwane City Reserves v Cape Town City Reserves
AmaZulu Reserves v Golden Arrows Reserves
Orlando Pirates Reserves v Kaizer Chiefs Reserves