Smythe-Lowe targets Bafana Bafana chance after promotion at Estoril

Flether Smythe-Lowe says South Africa’s Under-23 players must continue working hard if they are to earn a place in Pitso Mosimane’s Bafana Bafana squad.

The Portuguese-based goalkeeper was speaking before the team’s training session at Clapham High School yesterday. Smythe-Lowe, who was part of the South Africa squad that won the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and also featured in last year’s FIFA World Cup squad, is now aiming to make the move into the senior set-up.

Mosimane has recently indicated that he is prepared to give younger players an opportunity, a prospect welcomed by the Ubuntu Football Academy product.

“When you go there it’s going to be difficult, but it’s something everybody here is aspiring to achieve, and for me personally I would seriously love that opportunity but you have to work for that opportunity and constantly improve,” said Smythe-Lowe.

“It’s ultimately down to us, but for now we work hard and remain grounded, and we’ll see what happens in the future.”

The 19-year-old has also taken a step forward at club level in Portugal, where he has been promoted to the senior team at Primeira Liga side Estoril.

That progression follows his performances in Egypt and Chile last year, after he first attracted wider attention by keeping clean sheets in all of Amajita’s matches at the COSAFA Under-20 tournament in Mozambique in 2024.

He maintained that form at both the Under-20 AFCON and the FIFA World Cup.

Smythe-Lowe also praised Takalani Mazhamba, his team-mate at Under-20 level, after the latest Amajita side successfully defended its title in Mozambique this past weekend.

“He is a really amazing person, a top human being and a top footballer, and congratulations to Amajita and all the incredible players,” Smythe-Lowe said.

The new Under-23 team, coached by Raymond Mdaka, begins its programme this week with two international friendlies against Algeria in Bloemfontein.

The opening match will take place tomorrow at 18:00 at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium. The second fixture is scheduled for Sunday afternoon at the same venue.

Smythe-Lowe is encouraged by the opportunity to continue working with Mdaka and assistant coach Karabo Mogudi as the Under-23 side prepares for its AFCON U23 and LA Olympics 2028 qualifying campaigns.