Amajita star Tylon Smith signs for Queens Park Rangers
Queens Park Rangers have signed 20-year-old Stellenbosch FC defender Tylon Smith, a standout player from South Africa’s Under-20 Afcon-winning team, with permanent contract starting in their development squad. Picture: Queens Park Rangers
Image: Queens Park Rangers
Queens Park Rangers (QPR) FC have confirmed the signing of Stellenbosch FC defender Tylon Smith.
The 20-year-old has signed a permanent contract with the English Championship side.
The youngster shone for South Africa at the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon U20) as Amajita won the title and Smith was named player of the tournament.
His top performances did not go unnoticed as he makes his move to the UK, as he will slot straight into the side’s development squad.
Smith Showing Confidence at QPR
“I’m very happy to be here. I’m really proud and grateful for the opportunity QPR have given me to showcase my talent,” said Smith.
“QPR is well-known for developing young players. The style of play here is similar to how we play in South Africa and it’s a style that I really like.”
Asked to describe his playing style, a clearly confident Smith said: “I would say I’m like a modern defender; composed, good on the ball but I also enjoy defending.”
As for his exploits at the Under-20 Afcon, Smith said: “It was incredible!
“Scoring the winning goal in the semi-final against Nigeria was amazing and we made history by winning the final.
“It was very special to win Player of the Tournament - it’s very rare for it to go to a defender, it usually goes to an attacking player, so that was amazing for me.”
Smith Hopes to Continue Success with New Club
QPR chief executive Christian Nourry welcomed the signing of the new South Africa talent.
“We are happy to beat significant competition to land the services of Tylon today,” said Nourry.
“His raw attributes give him every opportunity to become a successful central defender and we are excited that the player feels, as we do, that we are best placed to develop and extract that potential from him.”