Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy believes Lyle Foster has the quality and character to surpass his record as South Africa’s leading international goalscorer.
McCarthy scored 31 goals for Bafana Bafana and remains the country’s all-time record holder. Foster has scored 10 times for South Africa, but McCarthy believes the Burnley forward could eventually take his place at the top of the standings.
The former South Africa striker was speaking after Kenya’s 2-2 draw with Bafana Bafana in their CAF 2027 AFCON qualifier at the Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto on Friday night.
McCarthy said Foster faced a difficult task because modern tactical systems have made it harder for strikers to receive the kind of service that was available during his playing career.
In particular, he highlighted the growing use of inverted wingers, who generally cut inside on to their stronger foot rather than delivering early crosses into the penalty area.
“Well, listen, it’s not just in South Africa, it’s a worldwide thing because when you look at modern-day football, now most teams play inverted wingers,” McCarthy told journalists.
“So you don’t get crosses anymore, putting it near post for strikers to make that near-post run. It’s difficult when you play a left-footer on the right, or a right-footer playing on the left.
“So where are the crosses going to come from? The strikers keep making movements. Back in my days, we had Delron Buckley, for example; he was a left-footer.
“Myself, Shaun Bartlett, and Sibusiso Zuma, we had to make sure, you know, when the ball is on the left foot, one goes near post, one goes second post. Wherever that ball lands, one of us is going to get it.”
McCarthy said South Africa must ensure their attacking approach suits the forwards available to them, including Mamelodi Sundowns forward Iqraam Rayners.
“But now it’s different, you make a run and then the wingers cut back onto their strong foot to bring it back, you know? So it’s difficult to breed strikers when you play inverted on the wings.
“But listen, Lyle [Foster], he’s finding his footing again. He’s top-notch. I said this a long time ago. I think if there’s a player that’s got the characteristics, that’s got the quality, that’s going to take my name off the record books there, it could be Lyle because he’s got the ability, and he’s got the aura.
“But he needs the service, he needs the team to play for him, you know? And Iqraam Rayners as well. You’ve got to play to the strengths of the strikers that you have; when you don’t play to the strength of your strikers, it becomes difficult for them to score goals,” he concluded.
