QPR defender Tylon Smith has opened up about his call-up to the Bafana Bafana final squad for the upcoming AFCON tournament.
Along with Shandre Campbell, Smith is yet to earn a cap for the senior team, having previously represented the junior national sides.
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He played a key role in helping South Africa win the U20 AFCON in May, where he was also named Player of the Tournament. Additionally, he was part of the squad that reached the last 16 of the U20 World Cup in October.
Smith was recently nominated for the 2025 African Young Player of the Year award in the CAF Awards. After an exceptional year, Broos has now called him up to the senior team.
The former Stellenbosch FC defender admitted to being emotional when he learned of his inclusion, calling it a significant milestone in what has been a remarkable year for him.
“I was excited when I first heard that I was in the final squad,” he told QPR media department.
“It’s something big for me and I just want to thank God for it. I’m so grateful to him, so yeah it was a big moment for me.
“I was watching on TV when the coach was announcing the squad and he called my name, I was really excited. I was a bit emotional because it’s something big as a 20-year-old. It’s an amazing achievement for me.
“In that moment, I just thanked God cause he’s done so much for me this year.”
He also feels that being nominated for the CAF Awards helped catch Broos’ attention.
“It was something big to be nominated as the Young Player in Africa, although I didn’t win it, it’s still something big,” he added.
“After that I knew some doors would open for me cause it’s a big achievement. I was hoping to make the final squad and then the rest was history.”
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