In an anticipated Bafana Bafana for AFCON squad that was expected to be announced, one name a lot of people didn’t see in the squad was Lyle Foster.
The England-based striker who plays for Burnley in the Premier was left out by head coach Hugo Broos to the dismay to a lot of South African football fans.
Broos has clarified that Foster asked to be left out of the AFCON squad. The coach went on to say it was purely on medical grounds, which is why the English based striker has not been named in the final 23-man squad.
Foster, in a letter to the South African Football Association that was written 3 weeks ago, communicated not to be picked for the AFCON despite being named in the 55-man provisional squad.
The 23-year-old has been battling with mental issues, and that is why Burnley gave him two months off.
On his return, he has managed to play the last three games for the club.
“I had a lot of contacts in the last few weeks with Burnley, especially with the Manager Vincent Kompany,” Broos said.
“At first, they (Burnley) said forget it. He will not be at the AFCON, but we selected him in the provisional squad because you never know.
“I was surprised when he came on as a half-timeme substitute against Everton and subsequently started against Fulham and Liverpool.
“I phoned Kompany and asked what this. I don’t understand. He explained that he (Foster) had played 45 minutes and was not ready for Bafana Bafana. There was still a danger of the (mental health) problem.”
