Lyle Foster’s Magnificent AFCON Journey: Overcoming Mental Health Challenges

Bafana Bafana forward Lyle Foster returned to competitive football with a second-half Premier League appearance against Everton on Saturday night.

Lyle Foster has been out since October to recover from mental health issues, which meant he missed the games he was meant to be involved in for Burnley and Bafana Bafana.

Lyle Foster during a Burnley FC game

After Kompany announced the former Orlando Pirates striker had returned, the former Manchester City defender delivered the disappointing news that Foster will not be available for the African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast in January.

This came after Bafana coach Hugo Bruce included the striker in his interim AFCON squad.

Foster was brought on at the start of the second half of the game against Everton at Turf Moor and received a thunderous ovation after Burnley fans booed the players at half-time with the Clarets losing 2-0.

The Bafana Bafana star replaced Jay Rodriguez, but  failed to find the back of the net and Burnley lost 2-0 that night.

Kompany selected Foster in his match-day squad despite painting a bleak picture about the striker’s chances of reaching the 2023 African Cup of Nations.

Vincent Kompany says Cup of Nations too soon for Bafana Bafana’s Lyle Foster

According to the Belgian tactician including the Bafana Bafana star in the final AFCON squad would

“Go against the advice of all the experts who have supported him”.

What’s next for Lyle Foster

Lyle Foster has now found his way back into Burnley’s first team and with the Premier League side having five games left before the start of the AFCON tournament, that may be enough for Foster to regain fitness.

After returning on Saturday, Foster hopes to maintain his place in the team.

Burnley visit Fulham next Saturday and could be given a starting spot at Craven Cottage as the Clarets are keen to get back to winning ways.

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