Stellenbosch FC have announced that defender Tylon Smith has signed his first professional contract with the club.

The Stellenbosch-born defender came through the ranks of the club’s academy and also played a crucial role in their success in the Engen Knockout, Engen Champ of Champs as well as the DStv Diski Challenge triumph last season.

His efforts for the club has not gone unnoticed, as he earned a call-up to the South Africa U-20 national team, where he helped the team claim the U-20 COSAFA championship while also being named in the Team of the Tournament.

Smit is yet to make his debut for the Maroons but has already been named on the bench against Nsingizini Hotspurs FC and AS Vita in the CAF Confederation Cup.

“I am incredibly happy and proud to have signed my first professional contract with Stellenbosch FC,” Smith told his club’s official website.

“It wasn’t an easy journey to get to this point, but it crowns an incredible year for me as a 19-year-old after getting promoted and having had the opportunity to represent South Africa at the U-20 COSAFA championships.

“The next step for me is to help the first team, hopefully to win more trophies, and I can promise the Club and our supporters that I will show the hard work, winning mentality, and fighting spirit that is needed to succeed at Stellenbosch FC.”