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.
Last line of defence. First on the radar. 👀
Fletcher Lowe: a keeper to watch. 🇿🇦@football2gether | #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 pic.twitter.com/vGo5Fh9eYC
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) May 17, 2025
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 pic.twitter.com/TIteDJnldp
— 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 pic.twitter.com/5JTcJVLlBr
— 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.”
