South African forward makes history in USA

South African forward Darren Smith etched his name in the history books in the United States of America over the weekend.

The 30-year-old marksman scored five goals in a single match as Detroit City dispatched Sporting JAX 6-2 in the USL Championship.

He equaled the regular-season record which was set by Mauricio Salles for VSI Tampa Bay II on 08 June 2013 in the American second-tier.

Smith scored three times in the first half, before netting a brace in the second stanza to fire into Golden Boot contention.

The Cape Town-born star currently leads the scoring charts with 11 goals to his name, and he is now ranked third in Detroit City's all-time top goal scorers.

Having signed for the club in January 2025, Smith has racked 25 goals with five assists in 52 games across all competitions - a testament to his scoring prowess.

His current deal is set to expire at the end of November 2026, and he will be eager to help Detroit clinch the league title as they sit second - seven points off the summit.

A youth product of Ajax Cape Town, Smith turned out for AmaZulu FC, Vasco Da Gama, Santos FC, SuperSport United, and Ubuntu Football Academy in his native country.

Hlayisani Magoro

Editorfr, en

Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.

Related teams and leagues

Sporting JAX

Detroit City FC

USL Championship USA