Tylon Smith has the attributes to be a really top-class defender, says Stellies coach Steve Barker
Image: BackpagePix
Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker believes Amajita star Tylon Smith has a 'really bright future ahead of him.'
Smith was recently named Player of the Tournament at the Afcon U20 Championships in Egypt, where the central defender played a pivotal role in South Africa annexing their maiden continental U20 title.
Amajita defeated Morocco 1-0 in the final, avenging the 1997 defeat to the North Africans.
Smith, along with fellow Stellenbosch rookie Langelihle 'Major' Phili, were greeted with a hero's welcome by their fellow players at the club's annual awards banquet upon their return from Egypt this week.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Stellies right-winger Faiz Abrahams was also part of the SA U20 squad, but was not present at the awards.
'Obviously, I'm very proud of what the players have achieved at the U20 Afcon,' Barker said.
'All of the players, Faiz, Major (Phili) and Tylan really are doing not only the club proud, but also doing South Africa proud.
'So, really pleased with their contribution as we are with Monet Crumpton, the goalkeeper coach. Really, really well done to them.'
The focus will, however, be on Smith after the defender's inspirational displays for Amajita, which also included a crucial goal in the semi-final victory over Nigeria.
The 19-year-old has signed a professional contract with Stellies, but is yet to make his debut in the Betway Premiership.
Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker is proud of his young charges in the Amajita squad. Picture: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
Smith expresses delight completing move to QPR from Stellies
"I'm really proud and grateful for the opportunity QPR have given me to showcase my talent,' said Smith. Tylon Smith says he is delighted to join Queens Park Rangers after completing a permanent switch from South African side Stellenbosch FC. Picture: QPR FB Tylon Smith says he is proud and delighted to join Queens Park Rangers after completing a permanent switch from South African side Stellenbosch FC. According to the English Championship side, the transfer for the rising star remains subject to international clearance and visa approval. ALSO READ: Pirates confirm Lepasa exit The highly-rated 20-year-old defender, who has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the past year, joins QPR for an undisclosed fee and will initially link up with the club's development squad. 'I'm very happy to be here. I'm really proud and grateful for the opportunity QPR have given me to showcase my talent,' said Smith after putting pen to paper at Loftus Road. 'QPR is well-known for developing young players. The style of play here is similar to how we play in South Africa and it's a style that I really like.' Smith arrives in West London on the back of helping South Africa's U20 side win the Cosafa Cup U20 Championship. He also played a key role again as Amajita claimed the U20 Africa Cup of Nations title, where he was named Player of the Tournament. 'It was incredible, scoring the winning goal in the semi-final against Nigeria was amazing and we made history by winning the final,' Smith added. 'It was very special to win Player of the Tournament and it's very rare for it to go to a defender. It usually goes to an attacking player, so that was amazing for me.' The young centre-back was also recently nominated for the DStv Diski Challenge Player of the Season award. Smith now has his sights set firmly on settling in at QPR and making an impression. 'I would say I'm like a modern defender; composed, good on the ball but I also enjoy defending. My main focus now is QPR. I'm going to give my all for this club and hopefully together we can be successful,' he concluded. QPR CEO Christian Nourry welcomed the new addition, stating: 'We are happy to beat significant competition to land the services of Tylon today. ALSO READ: Rashford 'at home' at Barca after sealing loan from Man United 'His raw attributes give him every opportunity to become a successful central defender and we are excited that the player feels, as we do, that we are best placed to develop and extract that potential from him. We will take it step by step.'

IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
Why South African football must sever ties with Israeli clubs in Nelson Mandela's spirit
Israel-bound Stellenbosch FC announced earlier this week that highly talented youngster Faiz Abrahams had completed a loan move to Israeli cliub Hapoel Kfar Saba. Photo: Weam Mostafa/BackpagePix Image: Weam Mostafa/BackpagePix Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ In the past, Thembinkosi Fanteni, Bevan Fransman, Tsepo Masilela, Mihlali Mayambela, Dino Ndlovu, Siyabonga Nkosi, Zama Rambuwane, and Siyanda Xulu have all played in that country. Abrahams' move comes at a time when there are growing calls for the Middle Eastern nation to be isolated on the sporting stage, much like South Africa was during apartheid. The country is currently involved in what the South African government describes as a genocide against the people of Palestine. In 2023, they approached the International Court of Justice to open a case against Israel's continued conduct in the Gaza Strip that resulted in a humanitarian crisis and mass killings. As recently as two days ago, 81 people, including 31 aid workers, were killed in an airstrike in Gaza conducted by the Israeli Defence Force. According to multiple organisations, including the United Nations, aid agencies, and human rights groups, Israel is actively blocking humanitarian aid into Gaza. As a result, thousands of people, including children and newborn babies, are facing starvation. South Africa has received praise for its principled stance against Israel, with numerous other countries formally endorsing the case against Israel. PSL clubs continuing to sell players to Israel is a betrayal of what the country stands for. During apartheid, several countries cut sporting ties with South Africa, leading to an almost two-decade-long isolation. Apartheid South Africa was barred from the Olympics from 1964, and they were also excluded from the football, cricket and rugby World Cups. Sporting isolation played a significant role in bringing down the apartheid regime. While it wasn't the sole factor, it was a symbolic part of the broader international pressure that helped undermine apartheid. South African clubs now have a choice to make: chase short-term financial gain or uphold the same moral values that once won them international solidarity. Nelson Mandela once said: 'We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians.' In another quote, that has been used countless times in today's 'stronger together' and "rainbow nation" era, the great Madiba said: 'Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.' Just as the world stood with South Africa during its darkest days, the time has come for South African football to return the favour. Refusing to engage with Israeli clubs would send a powerful message – that profit will not come before principle, and that the beautiful game must never be complicit in the ugliness of oppression. IOL Sport * The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL or Independent Media. ** JOIN THE CONVERSATION: Send us an email with your comments, thoughts or responses to iolletters@ Letters should be a maximum of 500 words, and may be edited for length. Anonymous correspondence will not be published. Submissions should include a contact number and physical address (not for publication). Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.


The South African
2 days ago
- The South African
Sundowns and Stellies reach agreement on Bafana Bafana star
Mamelodi Sundowns have reportedly reached an agreement with Stellenbosch FC to sign Fawaaz Basadien. Basadien has long been been linked with a possible move to Sundowns although Kaizer Chiefs were also reported to be in the race. However, after it emerged that Basadien had skipped Stellies training on Thursday, iDiski Times reports that the deal has been struck. Basadien is now expected to fly to Gauteng in the coming days to officially complete his move to the Brazilians. He will compete for a place in Miguel Cardoso's starting line-up with the likes of Aubrey Modiba and Devine Lunga among others. Basadien had an impressive 2024-25 season with Stellies, playing 46 matches and scoring seven goals despite being a defender. And Sundowns believe he's the right man to do the job for them on the left-hand side of the pitch in the new season. Basadien, who is a full Bafana Bafana international, will reunite with Iqraam Rayners and Jayden Adams who also joined Sundowns from Stellies. Fawaaz Basadien at Stellenbosch FC Image via @StellenboschFC on X 'Mamelodi Sundowns have reached a club-to-club agreement with Stellenbosch FC for defender Fawaaz Basadien,' reads part of the publication's report. 'First reported by SABC Sport, iDiski Times has been reliably informed that Sundowns finally reached agreement with Stellenbosch for the services of the Basadien for an undisclosed transfer fee.' Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.