Bafana Bafana defender Tylon Smith has expressed his gratitude and excitement after receiving his first senior national team call-up.
The 20-year-old, who has been making waves in the youth national team, was included in the squad that will be heading to Morocco later this month for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Smith’s inclusion in the national team comes after a stellar performance with Amajita, helping the team win the U20 AFCON this year in Morocco and also earning the player of the tournament award.
The former Stellenbosch defender also helped Amajita reach the knockout stage of the U20 FIFA World Cup. His impressive form with Queens Park Rangers U21 also caught the attention of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos.
“First of all, I just want to thank coach (Hugo Broos) for giving me this opportunity to be part of the team,” Smith said.
“I was in training in the morning [Wednesday], I found out there’s life, and when I found my name, I was grateful. I was emotional because it’s a team where I come from, and I was really excited.”
Smith will be familiar with Mbekezeli Mbokazi, with whom he used to play in Amajita before Mbokazi was promoted to the first team of Orlando Pirates.
The young defender believes that his hard work and determination have been key to his success.
“To be honest, it was not difficult for me because every single day at training I’m giving my all,” he added.
“I always say to myself before training that I won’t give up, I will just keep on working hard. Many people also motivated me, and that’s really playing a big part in my life as well.”
“So, to be honest – mentally I was strong and I was working hard every single day at training.”
Smith will be hoping to make his debut when Bafana play their first game of the AFCON against Angola in Group B on 22 December.
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