QPR pip the competition to land Stellenbosch FC’s Tylon Smith

TYLON Smith has completed a permanent transfer to Queens Park Rangers (QPR) from Stellenbosch FC, trading the vibrant fields of the Winelands for the bustling atmosphere of West London, marking a pivotal moment in his blossoming career.

- HERMAN GIBBS

The 20-year-old defender’s growth in the footballing world has been nothing short of meteoric over the past year. Just a year ago, Smith signed his first professional contract following a successful run with South Africa’s U20 team, where he played a key role in lifting the COSAFA U20 Challenge Cup.

His standout performance in the final against Zambia earned him the Player of the Match accolade and a place in the Team of the Tournament, signalling his potential on the international stage. Since then, Smith has only grown in stature, further enhancing his reputation in May with a pivotal role in South Africa's U20 Africa Cup of Nations victory.