Pitso Mosimane challenges Lyle Foster to prove his form after Bafana Bafana recall

Lyle Foster has been told he must prove he is ready to return to his best before he can secure a regular place in Pitso Mosimane’s Bafana Bafana team.

The Burnley forward, who is on loan at Houston Dynamo, has been recalled to the squad after missing the previous camp. But coach Mosimane says Foster’s reputation alone will not guarantee him a starting role.

Speaking at Wits Stadium as Bafana Bafana began preparations for their upcoming matches against Kenya, Mosimane recognised Foster’s ability while insisting that the 25-year-old must show his commitment and determination in training and during matches.

“He’s still a long way off his peak from when he went to the UK, but we have to give him a chance to prove that he’s back. I need to see the hunger and I can only see that at training and at the game,” Mosimane said.

Foster’s return gives him the chance to demonstrate that he can once again perform at the level expected of an international striker. Mosimane made clear that the player’s previous achievements would not be enough to secure his position in the squad.

The coach also reminded critics of Foster’s contribution to Bafana Bafana, particularly during the team’s qualification campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and in earlier Africa Cup of Nations competitions.

“He’s a very good striker, we can’t forget the goals he’s scored for Bafana qualifying for the World Cup and previous AFCON competitions. But we are aware that in football, today’s price is not tomorrow’s price, just like in business, but we have to give him a chance.”

Mosimane’s selection policy will also apply to other players who were included in the World Cup group but were not selected for the previous camp. Tshepang Moremi and Thalente Mbatha were among those he identified as players who could be given another opportunity.

“It’s all in his hands now and I just have to be consistent in that approach with the likes of Tshepang Moremi and Thalente Mbatha who may have missed out in the first camp for whatever reason.

“All of these players were a part of the World Cup group so we must give them a chance if they’re still at the same level, of course, physically and mentally, because everyone here is talent.”

Foster will now have the Kenya double-header to make his case for a sustained place in the national team. Mosimane’s message is that selection will depend on current performances, with players expected to demonstrate their readiness both physically and mentally.