Cape Town City’s Joshua Taylor is rapidly establishing himself as one of
the most exciting prospects in South African football. The 17-year-old
central midfielder, fresh from a dominant display at the Engen Champ of
Champs tournament, has earned a call-up to the South African U17 squad for
the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, placing him firmly on the national radar.
A Dominant Force on the Rise
Taylor’s promise was on full display during Cape Town City’s victorious
Engen campaign, where his performances were so commanding he secured both
the Midfielder of the Tournament and the overall Player of the Tournament
awards. His ability to control the game from a deep-lying role was the
foundation of his team’s success.
Scout’s Assessment: A Complete Midfield Package
Engen talent spotter Thando Zulu has identified Taylor as a standout talent,
praising his all-around midfield qualities.
“This kid is definitely one to watch. He was the standout player in City’s
win of the Champ of Champs tournament,” Zulu stated. “He gave City rhythm
and control in their matches and has an excellent passing range.”
Zulu’s scouting report highlights key technical and mental attributes that
set Taylor apart:
- Game Intelligence & Positioning: He scans the play effectively and
positions himself intelligently, facilitating smooth ball progression
from defense to attack. - Passing Range: He is comfortable and accurate with short, medium, and
long-range passes, acting as the team’s primary link. - Composure: He displays confidence and poise in tight spaces,
underpinned by strong decision-making skills in key moments.
Player Profile: Joshua Taylor
- Club: Cape Town City
- Position: Central Midfielder (No. 6)
- Age: 17
- Preferred Foot: Right
Key Traits: Positioning, passing range, composure in tight spaces, and
football intelligence.
With a technical polish and tactical maturity that belies his age, Joshua
Taylor is a bright exemplar of South Africa’s burgeoning youth talent. His
upcoming World Cup experience in Qatar will be the perfect stage to test his
skills against global peers and take the next step in his promising career.
