Tylon Smith Hopes AFCON Will Boost Club Career

SA Defender Tylon Smith Ready For AFCON Challenge. Photo: Gallo Images

Bafana Bafana defender Tylon Smith has revealed how the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) could help his club career in England.

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Smith was one of the surprise inclusions in Hugo Broos’ final 25-man squad for the tournament, alongside fellow U20 star Shandre Campbell.

The defender’s inclusion was particularly surprising as he has made just one first-team appearance for English Championship side Queens Park Rangers (AFCON).

However, should he make an appearance at AFCON, it will be his third international tournament this year after the U20 AFCON and the FIFA U20 World Cup, winning the former and also claiming the Player of the Tournament.

According to ESPN, Smith believes he will do more at AFCON than just make up the numbers as he looks to make his name on the international stage.

“I think I will be the same me. I’ll do what I always did – stay consistent, stick to my own rules – nothing will change. I will stay consistent and just work harder,” Smith said.

Despite limited game time for QPR since his move from Stellenbosch earlier this year, Smith said he has developed a strong relationship with coach Julien Stéphan.

“[My time at QPR] has made me a better player. The coach likes me because of my hard work and my consistency. I’m very top on my consistency,” Smith said.

The ex-Stellenbosch graduate was looking forward to the AFCON challenge and hoped it would lead to more game time at QPR.

“The coach likes me a lot because I’m working hard every single day in training. He motivates me to keep on pushing, and I know I will get my chance – I think after this AFCON. This is massive for me, as a 20-year-old, getting an international call-up. I might get regular game time after I come back from AFCON at QPR,” Smith said.

Smith was also looking forward to the possibility of playing alongside former Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi and reflected on their shared skillset.

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“It will be a combination of both of us doing both (dealing with ground balls and aerial balls). We have the same skills. He can defend; he can play ball – play long balls. I can do the same. I think it will be top for both of us if we can play together,” Smith added.

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