Tylon Smith: The 20-year-old future Bafana star fast-tracking his way to Afcon
Tylon Smith's name was mentioned as Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos announced his squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Image: Mohamed Tageldin/Middle East Images via AFP
Young defensive sensation Tylon Smith was delighted when he heard Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos read his name during Monday’s squad announcement for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
The 20-year-old is still taking his first steps in what is sure to be an exciting football career, but his selection for Afcon, which kicks off in three weeks in Morocco, was not expected.
“I was excited when I first heard that I was in the final squad,” the young defender said in a video posted on his English club Queens Park Rangers’ Instagram page.
“It’s a huge moment for me and I just want to thank God for it. I’m so grateful to him.”
On the moment he found out he would be going to Morocco, Smith said: “I was watching on TV when the coach was announcing the squad and he called my name. I was really excited. I was a bit emotional because it’s massive as a 20-year-old. It’s an amazing achievement for me.”
This year has been a big one for Smith. In April, he was a member of South Africa’s squad that won the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations. For his performances, he was named the tournament’s best player. He also played a key role as the team reached the knockout stage of the Under-20 World Cup.
And last month, he narrowly missed out on the African Youth Player of the Year Award to Othmane Maamma.
According to Smith, that recognition helped Broos take notice.
“It was huge to be nominated as the Young Player in Africa. Even though I didn’t win, it was a major achievement. After that I knew some doors would open for me. I was hoping to make the final squad and then the rest was history.”
Smith is not expected to play a major role in Morocco, but the experience of being part of the national team setup at such a young age will have a significant impact on his development as a footballer.
For now, simply sharing a dressing room with senior internationals represents an important new chapter in his rapid rise. Even if his role in Morocco is limited, the exposure to a major tournament will harden his mentality and sharpen his game.
And when he returns to club football, he will do so with a renewed sense of belief – and with the unmistakable feeling that this Afcon call-up is only the beginning of a long future in the Bafana jersey.
IOL Sport