Bafana Bafana Newby Hoping for Bigger Role After AFCON
Queens Park Rangers defender Tylon Smith says he is not travelling to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco just to make up the numbers, despite being one of the surprise inclusions in Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana squad.
The 20-year-old centre-back is yet to make a senior league debut at club or international level, with his only senior appearance coming in QPR’s Carabao Cup defeat to Plymouth Argyle earlier this season. Still, Smith believes he is ready to rise to the challenge on Africa’s biggest stage.
“I’ll stay the same person I’ve always been — consistent, hardworking and focused,” Smith told ESPN. “Nothing changes. I just have to work even harder.”
Smith’s rapid rise follows a standout U20 AFCON campaign, where he was named Player of the Tournament as South Africa lifted the title. That performance earned him a move from Stellenbosch FC to QPR, despite not featuring for the club’s first team.
His journey, however, has been anything but easy. Raised by a single mother in Jamestown, Smith often jogged nearly 30 minutes to and from training due to a lack of transport while coming through Stellenbosch’s academy.
“It was difficult, but it made me stronger,” he said. “That’s why I’m proud of where I am today.”
Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker admitted it was “bittersweet” seeing Smith leave before a senior debut, but acknowledged the defender deserved his move abroad. At QPR, Smith has already impressed head coach Julien Stéphan with his consistency, work ethic and ability to play out from the back.
“He likes that I’m a ball-playing centre-back and that I defend space well,” Smith explained. “I know my chance will come.”
Seen as part of Bafana Bafana’s long-term defensive future alongside Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Smith is clear about his ambitions.
“My dream is to play in the Premier League and be a starting defender for the national team,” he said.
AFCON 2025 may just be the next big step in turning that dream into reality.
