Latest news with #FletcherSmythe-Lowe
IOL News
20-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Smythe-Lowe not in a hurry to move to greener pastures after success with Amajita at Under -20 Afcon
Fletcher Smythe-Lowe of Amajita was awarded the honour of Goalkeeper of the Tournament for the recently concluded Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations. Photo Itumeleng English Image: Itumeleng English Amid roaring cheers and a sea of jubilant supporters at OR Tambo International Airport, Fletcher Smythe-Lowe returned home as one of Amajita's standout heroes from the recent Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations. Fresh off a stellar campaign in Egypt, the 18-year-old goalkeeper didn't just help South Africa lift the trophy — he also earned the prestigious Goalkeeper of the Tournament award, underlining his growing reputation as one of the country's brightest young talents. Calm, composed and mature beyond his years, Smythe-Lowe took a moment during the media frenzy to reflect on his journey, his performance, and the road still ahead. Video Player is loading. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading The 18-year-old was at his best for South African U20 men's national team, keeping four clean sheets across seven matches. His performances were particularly commendable during the knockout stage, where he did not concede a single goal in three consecutive 1-0 victories. Smythe-Lowe also claimed the Player of the Match award in the final against Morocco, thanks to a series of nail-biting saves and an assist for Gomolemo Kekana's solo goal. His overall display endeared him to football fans both at home and abroad, with many raving about his performances. However, Smythe-Lowe's journey could have taken a different path were it not for the Covid-19 pandemic, which forced him and his family to take a repatriation flight to Portugal after his mother took a sabbatical. 'When I left, I wasn't thinking about professional football, but what was best for me and my family,' Smythe-Lowe said. 'But obviously, when you put in the work and stay consistent, opportunities will come. So I didn't really have that in mind.' [WATCH] #U20AFCON goalkeeper of the tournament Fletcher Smythe-Lowe tells Newzroom Afrika's @vuyo_macoba that it's a great honour to be compared to the likes of Ronwen Williams. #Amajita — Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) May 20, 2025 His performances in Egypt during Afcon brought him closer to the game than ever before, but also exposed him to the harsh demands of professional football. 'It definitely made me fall in love with football, but it also showed me how rigorous it can be,' Smythe-Lowe admitted. 'Seven games — the most in a tournament — over three weeks, with a match every three days, was no easy feat. It's almost impossible to do what we did. But it speaks volumes that everyone—from the players, coaching staff, to the personnel behind the scenes, who don't usually get credit—put in an incredible effort.' Smythe-Lowe revealed that he had not yet received any offers from South African or European-based clubs following his exploits in Egypt. However, that may not remain the case for long. His performances have left such a lasting impression that many tip him to be among the first names on the squad list for the Fifa Under-20 World Cup in Chile. He is not taking anything for granted, though, and plans to rest for the next two weeks before beginning pre-season training with Estoril Praia U19s in Portugal. From early days to glory days. 🌟 Fletcher Lowe & Lee Ahshene, the journey continues. 🇿🇦#TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 — CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) May 15, 2025 'What I need to do now is go back home to Portugal, keep working hard and earn a place to play in the World Cup — even if I am the Goalkeeper of the Tournament,' he said. 'It's amazing to be named the best goalkeeper at Afcon — not only for me, but for the team, the fans, and everyone involved. But you have to earn the privilege to play in the World Cup. 'So, I think it's very important for me to stay focused, work hard, remain humble and dedicated. I must continue putting effort into my game.' Smythe-Lowe began his football journey at Ubuntu Cape Town and is a staunch Kaizer Chiefs supporter. He looks up to Chiefs legend Itumeleng Khune, but is not under pressure to follow in his footsteps — or to join other local giants like Orlando Pirates or Mamelodi Sundowns, or even European heavyweights — just yet. 'It's always a possibility to play in the PSL,' he said. 'But like I've said, it's just about working hard for now. I'm only 18 and still have many opportunities. I'll see where the future takes me.'
The South African
19-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
South Africa's Amajita's stun Morocco to win first ever U20 AFCON title
South Africa's U20 national team, Amajita, made football history on Sunday night by securing their first-ever CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations title, defeating Morocco 1-0 in a tense and tactical final at the Cairo International Stadium. This long-awaited triumph came 28 years after South Africa's last appearance in the final, which also featured Morocco – and ended in defeat. This time, however, the script was flipped as coach Raymond Mdaka's side claimed glory in dramatic fashion. Both teams arrived in the final with impressive unbeaten runs through the knockout stages, setting the stage for a closely contested showdown. The match was defined by disciplined defending, superb goalkeeping, and high tactical intensity. The breakthrough came in the 70th minute, when South African goalkeeper Fletcher Smythe-Lowe launched a long pass that ignited a swift counterattack. Shandre Campbell timed his run to perfection, delivering a pinpoint assist to Thulani Kekana, who calmly slotted the ball into the net. Though the assistant referee initially flagged for offside, a VAR review confirmed the goal, igniting celebrations among the players, staff, and fans. Heroics between the posts Smythe-Lowe delivered a man-of-the-match performance, producing key saves to deny Moroccan forwards Mouad Dahak and Jones El Abdellaoui. In the dying moments, Morocco threw everything forward, but South Africa's backline held firm. Morocco's best chance to equalise came in the 83rd minute, when Othmane Maamma missed a clear opportunity in front of goal. Moments later, Shakeel April nearly doubled South Africa's lead, only to be denied by the Moroccan goalkeeper. South Africa's journey to the title was filled with grit and resilience. After losing their tournament opener to hosts Egypt, Amajita bounced back with wins over Tanzania and Sierra Leone, before eliminating DR Congo and Nigeria in the knockout rounds. 'This is not just a win – it's a turning point for South African football,' said coach Mdaka. 'These young men showed character, hunger, and belief. The future is bright.' Earlier in the evening, Nigeria beat hosts Egypt 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw to secure third place. With their victory, Amajita sent a powerful message to the continent: South Africa's youth football has arrived. From defensive discipline to explosive attacking moments, this generation has shown it can compete – and win – on Africa's biggest stage. The focus now shifts to the FIFA U20 World Cup, where South Africa will aim to carry their continental momentum to the global arena. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
TimesLIVE
16-05-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Amajita coach Raymond Mdaka praises charges after they qualified for U-20 Afcon final
SA coach Raymond Mdaka has praised his charges for showing character and discipline in their impressive run to the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) final. Amajita beat rivals Nigeria 1-0 in their semifinal match on Thursday night at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia. They will meet Morocco in the final on Sunday night in Cairo. Morocco beat hosts Egypt in the other semifinal match to confirm the final with SA. During the tournament, players including Fletcher Smythe-Lowe, Neo Rapoo, Gomolemo Kekana, Kutlwano Lathlaku, Kgomotso Madiba, Jody Ahshene and Mfundo Vilakazi got opportunities to impress. 'The boys showed character. They were disciplined in all the matches and they stuck to the technical and tactical agreements we agreed on during training sessions.
