CAPE TOWN – Stellenbosch FC have confirmed that academy graduate and Cape Winelands local, Tylon Smith, has completed a permanent move to EFL Championship club Queens Park Rangers.
The 20-year-old becomes the first player to progress through the club’s U-14, U-16, U-18, and reserve teams before securing a move abroad.
Smith’s move abroad comes two months after he helped South Africa win the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations trophy for the first time, where his performances earned him the Player of the Tournament award and a spot in the Team of the Tournament in the process.
“This is a very proud moment for everyone at the club, the town, and his family,” said Stellenbosch FC CEO Rob Benadie.
“We’ve watched Tylon grow from a young boy in Jamestown into a player ready to take on the world stage. We have every confidence that he’ll thrive at QPR.”
“At Stellenbosch FC, we’ve always believed in creating real opportunities for young talent, and Tylon’s journey is proof that the pathways we are building are working.
“His move is a reward for years of hard work, not just from him, but from everyone involved in his development, and we hope it inspires the next generation to dream even bigger.
Smith added: “I’m very happy to be here, I’m really proud and grateful for the opportunity QPR have given me to showcase my talent,” he said via https://www.qpr.co.uk/.
“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.
“I would say I’m like a modern defender; composed, good on the ball but I also enjoy defending.”
Images: @StellenboschFC/Twitter and https://www.qpr.co.uk/
