Pitso Mosimane challenges Lyle Foster to prove South Africa return is deserved

South Africa coach Pitso Mosimane has challenged Lyle Foster to show he can rediscover his best form after recalling the striker to the national squad.

Foster returns to the Bafana Bafana setup after missing the previous camp, but Mosimane says the Burnley forward, who is on loan at Houston Dynamo, still has work to do before he can be considered back at his peak.

Speaking at the Wits stadium as South Africa began preparations for their upcoming matches against Kenya, Mosimane acknowledged Foster’s ability but insisted that the 25-year-old must demonstrate his hunger to win and his commitment both in training and during matches.

“He is still a long way from his best level since moving to the United Kingdom, but we have to give him a chance to prove that he is back,” Mosimane said, according to OIL.

“I need to see his hunger to win, and I can only assess that in training and in matches.”

Mosimane also reminded Foster’s critics of the contribution the striker has made to the national team in the past, particularly during the qualifying campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and in previous Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.

“He is a very good striker. We cannot forget the goals he scored for Bafana Bafana in the World Cup qualifiers and at previous AFCON tournaments,” he said.

“But we know that in football, as in business, a player’s value can change. We have to give him his chance.”

The coach’s comments suggest Foster’s reputation alone will not secure him a starting place. The striker must show he remains capable of performing at the level expected of him.

Mosimane said the same principle would apply to other players who were part of the World Cup group but were left out of the previous selection. Tshepang Moremi and Thalente Mbatha were among those he identified.

“Everything is now in his hands, and I simply have to remain consistent in this approach with players such as Tshepang Moremi and Thalente Mbatha, who may have been left out of the first training camp for one reason or another,” Mosimane said.

“All these players were part of the World Cup group, so we have to give them a chance if they are still at the same level and are physically and mentally ready. Of course, everyone who is here has talent.”

Foster will have the opportunity to make his case during South Africa’s double-header against Kenya.

Mosimane has made it clear that selection will be based on current performances rather than reputation, placing the responsibility on Foster and the other recalled players to prove they deserve their opportunities.