Latest news with #GoalkeeperoftheTournament
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.'
TimesLIVE
20-05-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
‘Successor to Ronwen': scout who took keeper Fletcher Lowe to Afcon champs Amajita
Prince Sobayeni, the scout who introduced Fletcher Lowe to newly-crowned Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations champions Amajita, believes the 18-year-old goalkeeper is the natural successor to Bafana Bafana star Ronwen Williams. Lowe won the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award for his excellent performance conceding two goals in Amajita's seven games and none in the knockout stage, where he was man of the match in South Africa's 1-0 final win against Morocco in Cairo on Sunday. Sobayeni, who works as a digital scout for the South African Football Association (Safa) sifting through internet analysis to find eligible players who have slipped under the radar, introduced the goalkeeper to South Africa under-20 coach Raymond Mdaka. 'He does seem like the natural successor to Ronwen. It's football and you never know how things go. But of things go smoothly, he should be,' Sobayeni told TimesLIVE. 'He's young. Some of us are even arguing now, why not put him as the Bafana Bafana third choice? Let him get that experience, because we've already seen the quality.
CAF
09-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
CAF African Schools Football Championship: South Africa Profile
South Africa's Girls return to the CAF African Schools Football Championship continental finals for the third year in a row having been ever-presents at this stage of the competition, and this time do so as defending champions. They competed as Edendale Technical High School in the inaugural event in 2022-23 and after storming to victory in the COSAFA qualifiers held in Malawi, they could not get out of the pool stages at the continental finals on home soil in Durban, South Africa. They claimed the COSAFA title for a second year in a row in the qualifiers in Zimbabwe and this time excellent on the continental stage, lifting the trophy in Zanzibar. South Africa needed penalties to edge Morocco 5-4 on penalties after the teams had played to a hard-fought 1-1 draw in the final. Sphumelele Zibula won Goalkeeper of the Tournament at those finals and played a huge role in her side being crowned champions. They return to the 2024-25 continental finals as champions but still completed a hat-trick of victories in the COSAFA qualifiers by lifting the trophy again in Walvis Bay, Namibia. They defeated Malawi in the decider, with the latter earning their place at the finals in Ghana as the COSAFA qualifier. Record at the CAF African Schools Football Championship continental finals: 2022-23: Group Stages 2023-24: Winners Record at the CAF African Schools Football Championship COSAFA zonal finals: 2022-23: Winners 2023-24: Winners 2024-25: Winners
