Latest news with #Smythe-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 Citizen
18-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Amajita down Morocco to clinch first ever AFCON title
The teams were locked at 0-0 at the break. South African Under-20 men's team beat Morocco 1-0 to claim the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title for the first time in history. Gomolemo Kekana scored the only goal of the match in the U20 Africa Cup of Nations final played at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Sunday night. ALSO READ: Ribeiro brace hands Sundowns a perfect end to the season Amajita goalkeeper Fletcher Smythe-Lowe was the busier of the goalkeepers in the first half, but he produced some great saves to deny Illias Boumassaoudi in the 21st minute and then Mouad Dahak three minutes later. It was the South Africans, however, that had the first crack at goal through Jody Ah Shene who pounced on a loose pass in the third minute, but Yanis Benchaouch did well to make a good save. Kekana tried his luck from range on the half-hour mark, but his shot went wide of goal. Smythe-Lowe was called into action again in the 43rd minute, but the young goalkeeper did well to make a save to deny Jones El Abdellaoui. The teams were locked at 0-0 at the break. Amajita started the second half the better of the sides and it did not come as a surprise when they took the lead in the 70th minute through Kekana. Following a long clearance from Smythe-Lowe the ball landed on the path of Shandre Campbell who then passed it to Kekana who composed himself before unleashing a powerful shot that beat Benchaouch hands down. Othmane Maamma wasted a great chance to grab the equaliser for Morocco in the 83rd minute, but his header went wide of goal. Shakeel April had a chance to wrap the game up for Amajita in the 88th minute when he outpaced the Moroccan defender, but was denied by Benchaouch. Earlier in the evening, Nigeria clinched the bronze medal after beating hosts Egypt in penalty shootout. The game had to be decided on penalties after it ended 1-1 in regulation time.
