The centre-back helped South Africa win the CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations trophy for the first time earlier this year, where his performances earned him the Player of the Tournament award.

It has been a rapid rise for Smith as he only signed his first professional contract with Stellies in October 2024.

He will initially integrate into QPR's development squad and becomes the first player to progress through Stellenbosch's U14, U16, U18, and reserve teams before securing a move abroad.

In quotes on QPR's website, Smith said: "I'm very happy to be here. I'm really proud and grateful for the opportunity QPR have given me to showcase my talent.

"QPR is well-known for developing young players. The style of play here is similar to how we play in South Africa and it's a style that I really like.

"My main focus now is QPR. I'm going to give my all for this club and hopefully together we can be successful."

Stellenbosch FC CEO Rob Benadie added: "This is a very proud moment for everyone at the club, the town, and his family.

"We've watched Tylon grow from a young boy in Jamestown into a player ready to take on the world stage. We have every confidence that he'll thrive at QPR.

"At Stellenbosch FC, we’ve always believed in creating real opportunities for young talent, and Tylon's journey is proof that the pathways we are building are working.

"His move is a reward for years of hard work, not just from him, but from everyone involved in his development, and we hope it inspires the next generation to dream even bigger."

QPR CEO Christian Nourry said: "We are happy to beat significant competition to land the services of Tylon today.

"His raw attributes give him every opportunity to become a successful central defender and we are excited that the player feels, as we do, that we are best placed to develop and extract that potential from him.

"We will take it step by step."

Stellenbosch defender Tylon Smith completes transfer to Queens Park Rangers