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Fletcher Smythe-Lowe. Photo: Gallo Images

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“This group has the potential to do special things”

Oct 2, 2026 – 08:39 am
By Thato Bosoga

South Africa U23 goalkeeper Fletcher Smythe-Lowe has opened up on what he brings to the side as they prepare for the 2028 Olympic Games qualifiers.

Smythe-Lowe is one of a number of players promoted from the U20 side that recently won the U-20 COSAFA Championship — and the Portuguese-based shot-stopper is brimming with confidence about what lies ahead.

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Speaking to reporters at Clapham High School, the 19-year-old reflected on the step up to the U23 level and the values that unite the squad.

“I always love coming back home, it’s amazing, a new group of players for me and we have the same attitude, we really have the same values, this group has the potential to do special things,” Smythe-Lowe said.

“You gain experience with years of work, playing with different players, learning different things from your teammates. This obviously it’s a good step for me and my career and obviously I now feel confident that I can come to the national team and give something to help everyone. I think it’s a great opportunity.”

The Estoril goalkeeper acknowledged the step up in demands that comes with progressing to the U23 level, stressing the importance of discipline and hard work.

“Obviously the first team all over the world comes with a different level of responsibility, discipline, you have to put in the work every single day and me being here with the other players shows that we’ve worked very hard and testament,” the teenager added.

Smythe-Lowe expressed confidence in the squad, which is preparing for CAF Olympic Games qualifiers with two friendly matches against Algeria this week — and also praised the coach, who was the head coach of the U20 COSAFA Cup-winning side.

“Before we can know that we can deal with these challenges, compete with these really difficult top level teams from other countries, we know the calibre of players we have here, so we have a lot of confidence and we can definitely compete at the highest level,” he said.

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