Camden Schaper has committed his international future to South Africa after accepting a place in the country’s Under-16 squad.
The Benoni-born attacking midfielder previously played for England Under-15s at the age of 12 in 2015, but has now opted to represent South Africa.
Schaper, who is on the books of Blackburn Rovers in England, has scored 14 goals and supplied 16 assists in seven appearances. Although he has attracted significant interest in England, he has consistently expressed his desire to play for Mzansi.
The former SuperSport United player is currently in camp with South Africa before travelling to Germany for the SAFA Bundesliga Dream 2026. The Under-16 side will play German clubs including FC Augsburg and Arminia Bielefeld between 9 and 20 October.
South Africa will then take part in the FIFA Under-15 World Cup in Azerbaijan from 22 to 30 October.
High-profile transfer interest
Schaper was at the centre of a major Premier League transfer battle in mid-2025, with Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea competing for his signature.
Chelsea reportedly secured the deal after agreeing a historic £700,000 (R17 million) transfer, which made Schaper the most expensive 13-year-old player in football history at the time.
However, administrative and transfer restrictions meant the youngster remained part of Blackburn Rovers’ Under-15 squad into 2026.
In April, he helped Blackburn Rovers win the Iber Cup in Portugal, scoring three goals and providing four assists in seven matches.
Later, at the age of 15, South Africa’s new attacking midfielder made his Blackburn Rovers Under-18 debut. He came on as a substitute against Hull City.
Schaper was also given the chance to train with Blackburn Rovers’ Under-21s in September, another indication of the high regard in which he is held by the club.
World Cup group
South Africa have been placed in Group A for the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival.
The tournament will use an eight-a-side format on smaller pitches, with the first edition being a boys-only competition.
Selekedi Mogale is the head coach of the South African side.
South Africa’s Group A opponents are Anguilla, Estonia, France, Kosovo and Maldives.
