Headline: Lyle Foster missing from South Africa’s Africa Cup of Nations roster despite return to competitive football
Introduction :
Despite returning to the football field after psychological problems, Burnley striker Lyle Foster has not been included in South Africa’s squad list for the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations. South Africa unveiled this list last Thursday.
The 23-year-old started in his team’s 0-2 defeat against Liverpool last Tuesday, but South Africa, on the advice of Burnley coach Vincent Kompany, decided not to retain the player for the African Cup of Nations which will take place from January 13 to February 11 in Ivory Coast.
Two notable absences:
In addition to Lyle Foster, Lebo Mothiba is also absent from the list drawn up by Belgian coach Hugo Broos, who led Cameroon to victory at CAN 2017. The Strasbourg striker injured his knee on December 17 during a match against Lorient in the French championship. Aged 27, he underwent surgery for a fractured left kneecap the next day and will be away from the field for several months.
It is worth noting that Foster and Mothiba are the only South African international players to play in all five major European leagues.
Composition of the South African team for CAN 2024:
The South African selection for CAN 2024 notably includes goalkeepers Ricardo Goss (SuperSport Utd), Veli Mothwa (AmaZulu) and Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns). On the defender side, we find Grant Kekana, Terrence Mashego, Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau, Mothobi Mvala (Sundowns), Sydney Mobbie (Sekhukhune Utd), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates) and Siyanda Xulu (SuperSport).
In midfield, the selected players are Thapelo Maseko, Teboho Mokoena, Thapelo Morena (Sundowns), Jayden Adams (Stellenbosch), Thabang Monare (Pirates) and Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela/POR). Finally, on the attacking side, we find Zakhele Lepasa, Evidence Makgopa (Pirates), Oswin Appollis (Polokwane City), Mihlali Mayambela (Aris Limassol/CYP), Percy Tau (Al Ahly/EGY) and Themba Zwane (Sundowns).
Conclusion :
Despite his return to competitive football, Lyle Foster will not be part of South Africa’s squad for the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations. His non-selection, along with that of Lebo Mothiba, is a blow to fans who hoped to see these players shine on the continental scene. However, the South African team remains confident and is counting on the players on the list to represent their country with dignity during the tournament in Ivory Coast.