Stellenbosch Announce Smith’s Move To English Side
Stellenbosch has announced that Amajita star defender Tylon Smith has left the club to join EFL Championship side Queens Park Rangers in England.
Smith, who previously helped Stellies win the DStv Diski Challenge, was also a key part of Raymond Mdaka’s Amajita (South Africa U/20 national team) squad that made history in May by winning the U/20 Africa Cup of Nations, defeating Morocco in the final.
The towering defender was subsequently named Player of the Tournament.
“Stellenbosch FC is proud to confirm that academy graduate and Stellenbosch local, Tylon Smith, has completed a permanent transfer to EFL Championship side Queens Park Rangers,” the club stated.
“Smith’s transfer to the United Kingdom represents a landmark moment for Stellenbosch FC and its development structures, as 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.”
Stellenbosch CEO Rob Bernadie expressed his pride in the transfer, saying, “This is a very proud moment for everyone at the club, the town, and his family. 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.”
Bernadie further emphasized the club’s commitment to nurturing young talent: “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.”
The club concluded, “Everyone at Stellenbosch FC wishes Tylon all the best as he begins this exciting new chapter and looks forward to seeing him fulfill his undoubted potential.”
