Speaking about his development, Club Brugge coach Nicky Hayen detailed that he was impressed with the progress the player has made since completing the move from SuperSport United in South Africa's PSL.

“He showed with [Club] NXT he has potential and this is the way we work. With high potentials we give them the step by training with the first team and give them minutes where it’s possible," Hayen said after the game against Aston Villa.

“When he deserves it he will get minutes.”

Due to Campbell's progress in Belgium, there were calls for him to be included in Hugo Broos' Bafana Bafana squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin later this month.

However, Broos resisted the temptation and the youngster was not included in the preliminary squad named on Tuesday. The Belgian will definitely be keeping an eye on his development, and the youngster could even feature in next year's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

While Campbell may have missed out on a national team call-up this time, his inclusion in a Champions League squad at just 19 is a sign of his growing reputation in European football. The exposure to high-level competition, even from the bench, will serve as a crucial learning experience as he adjusts to the intensity and tactical demands of top-tier football.

With Club Brugge still competing on multiple fronts, opportunities could arise for him to make his senior debut in the coming weeks, especially if he continues to impress in training.

The road ahead remains challenging, but Campbell has already taken strides that many young South African footballers dream of. His rise from the Betway Premiership to the Champions League stage highlights his talent and work ethic, and if he maintains his upward trajectory, a breakthrough moment is only a matter of time.

Whether it comes in Belgium or on the international stage with Bafana Bafana, Campbell’s journey is one to watch closely.

IOL Sport