Lyle Foster is a Premier League regular for Burnley and is currently their top-scorer. He’s the ninth Bafana Bafana star to score in the world’s most popular domestic division. Can you name the others?
ICYMI: Bafana Bafana star Tau makes a statement on his Al Ahly future
SOUTH AFRICANS TO SCORE IN THE ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE
Foster follows in the footsteps of greats like Phil Masinga, Shaun Bartlett, Eric Tinkler, Quinton Fortune, Mark Fish, Benni McCarthy, Steven Pienaar and Mbulelo Mabizela.
AFCON: When does Bafana face Morocco?
OPINION: Pirates are right to wash their hands of Thembinkosi Lorch
Bafana Bafana star is arguably Burnley’s best player
Lancashire Burnley club paid a fee rising to €11m to sign Foster and there’s no reason why a host of other Premier League clubs wouldn’t jump at the chance of signing the hard-working South African for around double that at least. Foster has scored four goals and provided three assists in 12 top-flight appearances. It’s no exaggeration to say he’s been arguably their best player, and to produce those numbers in a side struggling at the basement is a superb achievement. For the football stats nerds, Foster’s xG + xA (expected goals + expected assists) figure is 2.6, so he’s outperforming that in a big way. He’s already South Africa’s most expensive player ever and he could realistically shatter his record by August. Burnley fans hope they stick around and can keep hold of their star man. Only time will tell.
ICYMI: Banyana Banyana star known as the ‘Randfontein Ronaldinho’
STARS OF AFCON: Meet Nigeria’s R2.2 Billion man, Victor Osimhen
Meanwhile, hit up James Freemantle for more insights, news, views and commentary.
Also, follow The South African on X for up-to-the-minute news updates.