Mosimane tells Foster Bafana place is his to win back

Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has warned Lyle Foster that his previous contribution to South Africa’s World Cup qualification will not guarantee him a regular place in the national team.

Mosimane confirmed he held private talks with Foster after recalling the striker for the upcoming back-to-back 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Kenya.

Foster was left out of Mosimane’s first Bafana squad since returning to the national team for the opening qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea in September. The 26-year-old, who is owned by Burnley and currently on loan at Major League Soccer club Houston Dynamo, has been attempting to rebuild his career in the United States after a difficult period at both club and international level.

The striker’s return was discussed at Bafana’s press briefing at Milpark Stadium in Johannesburg, where Mosimane said the details of their conversation would remain private.

“We’ve had private conversations that I can’t say, because I need to protect myself and the player and respect because that space is sacred, we need to build trust and confidence within the team or between me and the players,” Mosimane said.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns coach believes Foster is beginning to regain his rhythm at Houston Dynamo, although he feels the forward still has ground to make up before reaching the form he showed after moving to the UK.

“I believe he’s playing now, a few minutes, not all 90 minutes but very good start, he is starting and all that. Honestly, he still has a lot of work to catch up, to be at his peak when he went to the UK. But also important to give him a chance to be around and let’s see.”

Mosimane also pointed to Foster’s role in South Africa’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and praised the qualities he continues to see in the striker.

“The appetite is there, you can only see at training, on the matches and yes, very good striker, I don’t think we can all forget the goals he scored for us to qualify for the World Cup, he is a top player right?” the 62-year-old said.

However, Mosimane made clear that past success would not protect Foster from competition for his place. He said the forward now had to demonstrate his value again, just as other players had done after being omitted.

“But you know in football yesterday’s prize, is not today’s prize, you know what I’m trying to say, like in business. It’s not up to me, it’s up to him. I do what I have to do and I must remain consistent, even with other players. You know (Tshepang) Moremi was not part of the team, he’s back, (Thalente) Mbatha was not part of the team, he’s back, Lyle must be back also to be given a chance,” Mosimane added.