Tylon Smith, the highly-touted defender from Stellenbosch FC, has completed his ‘landmark’ transfer to England, a move the PSL side hailed as a significant milestone in its history and development.
Smith joins English Football League (EFL) Championship side Queens Park Rangers on a permanent transfer from the Cape Winelands-based club. He was an integral part of Stellenbosch FC’s DStv Diski Challenge squad.
His impressive performances in the reserve league earned the 20-year-old a nomination for DDC Player of the Season alongside Gomolemo Kekana of Mamelodi Sundowns and Ntandoyenkosi Nkosi from Kaizer Chiefs.
Smith also played a crucial role in helping Raymond Mdaka’s Amajita win the CAF U-20 AFCON title for the first time in the national team’s history. Following his stellar displays, he was named Player of the Tournament and earned a spot in the Team of the Tournament.
Smith’s journey to his overseas move saw him progress through Stellies’ junior ranks, from the U-14, U-16, and U-18 teams, before ultimately starring for the DDC side. This makes him the first player to develop through all of the club’s youth structures before securing a transfer abroad.
STELLENBOSCH FC’S OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON TYLON SMITH’S MOVE TO QPR
“We are proud to confirm that academy graduate and Stellenbosch local, Tylon Smith, has completed a landmark transfer to EFL Championship side Queens Park Rangers,” said Stellenbosch in a statement on Wednesday.
“Everyone at Stellenbosch FC wishes Tylon all the best as he begins this exciting new chapter and looks forward to seeing him fulfil his undoubted potential.”
WHAT STELLENBOSCH FC CEO ROB BENADIE SAID ABOUT TYLON SMITH
Stellenbosch CEO Rob Benadie expressed his excitement for the youngster’s move to England, citing how grateful the club is to have contributed to Smith’s growth.
“This is a very proud moment for everyone at the club, the town, and his family,” said Stellenbosch CEO.
“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.”
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