Benni McCarthy says Lyle Foster can break Bafana Bafana goals record

Benni McCarthy believes Lyle Foster has the ability to become Bafana Bafana’s all-time leading scorer, but says the striker will need a team built around his strengths to achieve it.

McCarthy scored 31 goals for South Africa before ending his international career 14 years ago. His record has remained intact, with Shaun Bartlett the closest player to surpassing it after scoring 29 goals for Bafana Bafana.

Foster is currently among the leading active scorers, having found the net 10 times for South Africa. He is level with midfielder Teboho Mokoena, while Themba Zwane has scored 12 goals.

With Zwane potentially approaching the final season of his career and Mokoena operating in midfield, Foster is the leading attacking candidate to challenge McCarthy’s mark.

Foster came off the bench to provide an assist as Bafana Bafana drew 2-2 with Kenya in an AFCON qualifier at Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday. McCarthy, who has since moved from playing into coaching, said the 25-year-old remains the player most likely to eventually break his record.

“Lyle is finding his footing again. He’s top-notch,” McCarthy said. “I said a long time ago that if there’s a player who has got the qualities to take my name off the record books, it could be Lyle. He’s got the ability, and aura. But he needs the service, and the team to play for him and Iqraam Rayners as well.

“You’ve got to play to the strengths of the strikers; if you don’t, it becomes difficult for them to score goals.”

McCarthy said the lack of suitable service may have contributed to Foster and other South African forwards not being as prolific as they would have wanted.

He believes changes in the way teams attack have made it harder for strikers to receive the type of delivery they need, compared with the style used during his playing career.

“It’s not just in South Africa, but a worldwide thing,” McCarthy said. “When you look at the modern day, most teams play with inverted wingers. You don’t get crosses anymore. For instance, Bafana had Tshepang (Moremi), a left-footer, playing on the right, and Oswin (Appollis), a right-footer, playing on the left. So, where will crosses come from?”

Foster’s pursuit of McCarthy’s record will therefore depend not only on his own finishing but also on South Africa finding a way to create more opportunities suited to him.

McCarthy’s view is that Foster has the ability to make history, but Bafana Bafana must ensure the striker receives the support and quality of service required to turn that potential into goals.