Tylon Smith: QPR defender shortlisted for Young African Player of the Year | Football news
Mohamed Salah, Victor Osimhen, Achraf Hakimi and… Tylon Smith?
It is certainly possible that a 20-year-old defender who is yet to make a senior league appearance at QPR could join that list of star players by winning the Young African Player of the Year award.
Smith was nominated after helping South Africa to victory at the U20 AFCON in May, and is among the final three shortlisted in the category ahead of the ceremony in Morocco on Wednesday evening.
“Being nominated is huge,” says Smith Aerial sports. “For a defender, it’s rare, but it was possible for me. I think I deserve it because I played a very good tournament.”
The CAN success was South Africa’s first ever triumph at this level. And Smith was named Player of the Tournament, an honor he attributes to “consistency and discipline.”
“Usually it goes to the attackers,” Smith says. “But for me, as a defender, it was amazing. I felt proud because I played a very good tournament and my hard work paid off.
“Just being part of the team was important to me. It showed that people believed in me. Putting on that jersey was a big thing for me. I couldn’t believe it. I’m lucky.
“We have made the country proud and made history.”
It’s been an eventful year for Smith. Shortly after winning the tournament, he traveled to London to sign for QPR. He had yet to make a senior appearance for his original club, Stellenbosch FC.
He laughs when asked if the main reason for signing for Rangers was the fact that their MATRADE Loftus Road stadium is on South African road in west London.
“I didn’t know it when I signed,” Smith says. “My agent told me that whenever I missed my country, I could go there and feel like I was back in South Africa.”
Homesickness hasn’t been a problem so far, mind you.
“When I was a kid, I thought I would play abroad,” he says. “I always dreamed of becoming a professional so that I could support my family back home.
“At the time my agent told me QPR were interested, I never considered staying in South Africa. I always dreamed of playing in Europe.
“I’m still settling in. My first few days here in England were a bit strange, being all alone with no family, but I’m doing well so far. It’s good.
“It’s different from South Africa, but I have to get used to it and take it as it comes.”
Smith is yet to make a Championship appearance for QPR. He played 90 minutes in the Carabao Cup, but then had to leave London for several weeks to play again for South Africa in the U20 World Cup.
Ian Randall Photography
That game at Plymouth in August ended in defeat, but it was a pleasure for Smith to be involved for the first time.
“I really enjoyed it,” he recalls. “The match was physical, but it was fun. It was my first match at a high level. Even though the result wasn’t good, I feel like I did well and I’m happy with it.
“My family was watching from home. It was awesome to be able to see me play at a professional level. It’s always been my dream.”
The next dream is to break into the QPR side and then see where that takes him.
“My focus is on QPR,” says Smith. “The boss [head coach Julien Stephan] Told me to keep pushing and working hard every day. He likes what I’m doing so far.”
He still has a hope of making South Africa’s squad for next summer’s World Cup, as it is the first time his country has qualified since hosting the World Cup in 2010.
“I think there’s hope for me,” he said. “If I can get called up to the Under-23 team in December and prove myself, that will help me. I’ll stay disciplined and consistent, and you never know.”
A win in this Young Player of the Year award would certainly go a long way towards realizing that dream as well.
Past CAF Youth Player of the Year winners
2024 – Lamine Camara, Senegal
2023 – Lamine Camara, Senegal
2022 – Pape Matar Sarr, Senegal
2019 – Achraf Hakimi, Morocco
2018 – Achraf Hakimi, Morocco
2017 – Patson Daka, Zambia
2016 – Alex Iwobi, Nigeria
2015 – Victor Osimhen, Nigeria
(Notable winners of the previous, now defunct CAF Most Promising Talent of the Year Award)
Kelechi Iheanacho (2013, 2016), Yacine Brahimi (2014), Mo Salah (2012), Salomon Kalou (2008), John Obi Mikel (2005), Obafemi Martins (2003, 2004), Mido (2002)
