LONDON – Burnley manager Vincent Kompany has expressed that it is premature for striker Lyle Foster to join the South African squad for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) amid his ongoing recovery from mental health challenges.
Foster, despite not featuring for Burnley since October, was included in Bafana Bafana’s preliminary squad by coach Hugo Broos for the upcoming AFCON tournament set for 13 January-11 February 2024 in Ivory Coast.
However, Kompany emphasized that the player’s well-being takes precedence over national team duties.
“Unfortunately at the moment he’s not in a position where he can go to the national team, he just can’t,” said Kompany on Thursday.
“His love for his country has no limits and his desire to do well has no limits but that would be going against the advice of every expert that has been assisting him in recent months.”
Kompany, a former Manchester City star, underlined the importance of AFCON but stressed that Foster’s condition requires careful consideration.
“For his condition specifically, the human being, he’s not at a stage yet where he can do any of that. Hopefully in the future he’ll be able to do much more for everybody on the big stage but step by step.”
Foster, 23, had contributed three goals in seven league games for Burnley before the club announced last month that he was undergoing specialist care for mental health issues.
While no specific timeline has been provided for his recovery, Kompany revealed positive developments.
“Lyle’s making progress,” said Kompany.
“He’s still receiving treatment, but we’ve been fortunate that we’ve been able to work on the fitness side with him. His progress is what you would want it to be in terms of his mental health but physically, he’s in a good place as well.”
The manager’s comments highlight the delicate balance between a player’s commitment to national duty and the crucial need to prioritize mental health and overall well-being.
Bafana Bafana Preliminary Squad for AFCON 2024 Ivory Coast
GOALKEEPERS:
Ronwen Williams [Mamelodi Sundowns], Veli Mothwa [AmaZulu FC], Melusi Buthelezi [Orlando Pirates], Ricardo Goss [SuperSport United], Bruce Bvuma [Kaizer Chiefs].
DEFENDERS:
Sydney Mobbie [Sekhukhune United], Grant Kekana [Mamelodi Sundowns], Nkosinathi Sibisi [Orlando Pirates], Aubrey Modiba [Mamelodi Sundowns], Thabiso Monyane [Orlando Pirates], Mothobi Mvala [Mamelodi Sundowns], Siyanda Xulu [SuperSport United], Given Msimango [Kaizer Chiefs], Bradley Cross [Golden Arrows], Thapelo Maseko [Mamelodi Sundowns], Siyabonga Ngezana [FCSB], Thapelo Xoki [Orlando Pirates], Themba Mantshiyane [Golden Arrows], Ime Okon [SuperSport United], Thapelo Morena [Mamelodi Sundowns], Terrence Mashego [Mamelodi Sundowns], Khuliso Mudau [Mamelodi Sundowns], Fawaaz Basadien [Stellenbosch].
MIDFIELDERS:
Teboho Mokoena [Mamelodi Sundowns], Grant Margeman [SuperSport United], Jayden Adams [Stellenbosch], Njablu Blom [St. Louis City SC], Miguel Timm [Orlando Pirates], Thabang Monare [Orlando Pirates], Sibongiseni Mthethwa [Kaizer Chiefs], Bathusi Aubaas [Mamelodi Sundowns], Goodman Mosele [Chippa United] Sphephelo Sithole [Tondela], Ethan Brooks [AmaZulu], Patrick Maswanganyi [Orlando Pirates], Mlungisi Mbunjana [TS Galaxy].
FORWARDS:
Mihlali Mayambela [Aris Limassol], Themba Zwane [Mamelodi Sundowns], Evidence Makgopa [Orlando Pirates], Khanyiso Mayo [Cape Town City], Percy Tau [Al Ahly], Zakhele Lepasa [Orlando Pirates], Lyle Foster [Burnley], Lebogang Mothiba [ RC Strasbourg], Monnapule Saleng [Orlando Pirates], Tshepang Moremi [AmaZulu], Elias Mokwana [Sekhukhune United], Bongokhule Hlongwane [Minnesota United], Oswin Appollis [Polokwane City], and Iqraam Rayners [Stellenbosch].
