Snl24.com | Bafana striker reports for pre-season ahead of Premier League debut

Lyle Foster of Burnley warms up prior to the Sky Bet Championship match between Rotherham United and Burnley at AESSEAL New York Stadium on April 18, 2023 in Rotherham, England.

Bafana Bafana striker Lyle Foster was among the first to report for pre-season training with newly-promoted Burnley ahead of a dream Premier League campaign next season.

After being relegated on the final day of the 21/22 campaign, Burnley bulldozed their way to the Sky Bet Championship title with 10 points to spare over second-placed Sheffield United, sealing automatic promotion with seven matches remaining.

The Clarets have now already reported for an early pre-season camp to begin preparations for the upcoming Premier League campaign which only begins on August 12.

Foster was seen among those who have turned-up for the camp and is understood to have requested to be excused from Bafana Bafana duty as Hugo Broos’ charges take on Morocco in a dead-rubber African Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier to be played on 17 June.

READ | Perfect Percy Tau continues CAF CL dominance

The 22-year-old has been crucial from Bafana, netting a brace against Liberia in March and Kompany’s comments suggest that Foster could be even more crucial for Burnley next season. 

“He’s [Foster] been constantly improving his game, and that’s the reason why we got him six months before,” said Kompany in April.

“Just like Ameen Al-Dakhil, that was exactly the point, and it’s valuable game time for them and seeing them improve, for me, it’s something that makes me confident.

“Foster’s quality is receiving between the lines, turning, progressing forward and able to retain balls under pressure, that’s his quality and he can run in behind as well. He’s got pace.

“But it’s just a case of having the right profile and he has the right profile. You’re looking for growth, is he better today than he was? I think so.”

Foster will be joining a list of players who have flown the South African flag in the top flight of South African football including Steven Pienaar, Lucas Radebe and Percy Tau among others.

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