Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has confirmed that Lyle Foster will not be selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers as the striker continues to recover from a mental health issue.
Broos, who announced his 23-man squad on Friday called up Oswin Appollis in the place of Foster for the qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda later this month.
Lyle Foster, who has been in fine form in his first season in the Premier League was expected to be one of the key players for Bafana in their upcoming matches against Benin and Rwanda.
However, Broos has revealed that the striker is currently under special care and will not be able to join the squad. Broos also stated he had a chat to Foster’s coach at Burnley FC about the striker’s health situation.
MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES FORCR FOSTER TO MISS BAFANA’S WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS
“I was a bit surprised that Lyle didn’t play in the last three games and I contacted the club and coach,” said Broos.
Bafana will tackle Benin at home on November 18 before travelling to Rwanda on November 21. “Lyle for the moment has a serious medical problem.
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The team asked us not to give further comment on that, and respect the privacy of Lyle and his family in the next weeks. “We hope he recovers as soon as possible, but it is impossible for him to be in camp.”
BAFANA FULL SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Veli Mothwa, Ricardo Goss Defenders: Sydney Mobbie, Bradley Cross, Grant Kekana, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Aubrey Modiba, Siyanda Xulu, Mothobi Mvala, Khuliso Mudau Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Jayden Adams, Sphephelo Sithole Forwards: Themba Zwane, Zakhele Lepasa, Lebo Mothiba, Percy Tau, Oswin Appollis, Mihlali Mayambela, Thapelo Maseko, Bongokuhle Hlongwane.