Lyle Foster is out of the Bafana Bafana picture after leaving Burnley for Major League Soccer side Houston Dynamo on loan, with the former Orlando Pirates striker now facing an uncertain next step in his career.
The 26-year-old was relegated from the English Premier League with Burnley last season before departing the Clarets for the United States this campaign. Born in Soweto, Foster has already played for several clubs since beginning his professional career with Monaco, including sides in Belgium and Portugal, followed by a three-year spell in England with Burnley.
Foster’s ability at the highest level is not in question, but the disruption caused by relegation from the English top flight would have affected his confidence. He was an important member of South Africa’s squad during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign, scoring two goals and providing two assists as Bafana Bafana reached the semi-finals.
He started South Africa’s World Cup opener against Mexico this year and played 56 minutes. However, Foster was an unused substitute in the team’s following matches against Czechia, South Korea and Canada.
That leaves his position under scrutiny ahead of Pitso Mosimane’s next Bafana Bafana squad announcement in November. Whether Foster can regain his place will be one of the key questions surrounding the squad.
Strasbourg tracking Appollis
French Ligue 1 club Strasbourg is monitoring Orlando Pirates forward Oswin Appollis, according to Siseko Gwewge, while Portuguese giants Porto have also been linked with the 25-year-old.
Appollis strengthened his reputation with three assists in Eritrea’s recent 5-0 defeat, matching the same achievement from his performance against Congo in 2024.
The forward has recorded two goals and two assists in seven Betway Premiership appearances this season. He is also expected to play an important role when Orlando Pirates face Sundowns in the MT8 final.
That match takes place on Saturday, 10 October at 18:00, with the two sides contesting the first piece of silverware available this season.
