Tylon Smith, a 20-year-old defender signed by QPR, has been named among the final three contenders for the African Youth Player of the Year award, joining a list of past winners that includes Mohamed Salah, Victor Osimhen and Achraf Hakimi.
Smith earned the nomination after helping South Africa win the U20 AFCON in May, a first-ever title for the country at that level. He was also named Player of the Tournament, an accolade he credits to ‘consistency and discipline.’ Smith said the recognition means a great deal, noting that defenders are seldom spotlighted in awards typically given to attacking players: ‘I feel I deserve it because I played a really good tournament.’
The award ceremony takes place in Morocco on Wednesday, and Smith is one of three finalists. He described the shortlist as ‘huge’ and praised the team’s achievement, saying they made history and made the nation proud.
Shortly after the U20 AFCON success Smith travelled to London to complete a move to Queens Park Rangers. He joined from Stellenbosch FC without having made a senior league appearance for his former club. On signing, he joked about QPR’s Loftus Road sitting on South Africa Road in west London and said his agent told him he could visit that area when he missed home.
Homesickness has been manageable. Smith said he always dreamed of playing overseas and of supporting his family through a professional career. When the opportunity at QPR arose he was determined to pursue it. ‘My first days here in England were a bit strange, being all by myself with no family, but I’m doing well so far,’ he said.
Smith has yet to make his Championship debut for QPR but featured for 90 minutes in the Carabao Cup. He then returned to international duty for several weeks to represent South Africa at the U20 World Cup. His appearance in a cup tie at Plymouth in August ended in defeat, but he described the match as a valuable and thrilling first experience of high-level competition. Having his family watch him play professionally was a personal highlight.
His immediate goal is to establish himself in QPR’s first team. Head coach Julien Stéphan has encouraged him to keep working hard, and Smith says he will continue to push for opportunities.
Smith also harbours hopes of being involved in South Africa’s senior squad for next summer’s World Cup — the country’s first qualification since hosting the tournament in 2010. He believes there is a pathway: a call-up to the under-23 team in December and strong performances could boost his chances. Winning the African Youth Player of the Year award would further enhance his profile and ambitions.
Recent winners of the CAF Youth Player of the Year include:
2024 – Lamine Camara (Senegal)
2023 – Lamine Camara (Senegal)
2022 – Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal)
2019 – Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)
2018 – Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)
2017 – Patson Daka (Zambia)
2016 – Alex Iwobi (Nigeria)
2015 – Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)
Notable recipients of the now-defunct CAF Most Promising Talent award include Kelechi Iheanacho, Yacine Brahimi, Mohamed Salah, Salomon Kalou, John Obi Mikel, Obafemi Martins and Mido.
Smith’s nomination places him among promising African talents and could be an important stepping stone as he aims to break through at club and international level.