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Why former Westerlo midfielder is not surprised by Lyle Foster’s big move

"Lyle Foster has grown to become a complete player."

Former Bafana Bafana and Westerlo midfielder Masilo Modubi has explained why he was not surprised by Lyle Foster’s move to England Championship side Burnley.

Masilo Modubi has backed striker Lyle Foster to succeed in England at Burnley.

The South African striker penned a four-and-a-half-year deal with the club.

Lyle Foster joins Burnley following a successful spell at Belgian club Westerlo.

The Soweto-born attacker, Foster leaves the club with eight league goals in the current season.

Modubi, who spent three seasons at Westerlo between 2008 and 2011, says he was not surprised by Foster’s move.

The 37-year-old, now coach at Belgian club KESK Leopoldsburg, says Foster has grown to become a complete player.  

“No I am not surprised [by the move]” Modubi told FARPost.

Lyle Foster has been tipped by Masilo Modubi to succeed at Burnley
Lyle Foster has been tipped to succeed at Burnley. Picture courtesy of Burnley

“The boy has been patient enough with himself as well.

“If you look at the teams that he went to, I think he came here on loan from Monaco to Cercle Brugge. For me, he did well.

“But unfortunately, he went to a team [Cercle Brugge] that is not very stable enough for a young player.

“They were struggling a bit with results meaning it’s difficult as a young player coming to a team like that.

“As a player, you grow with those few loans you learn other things from other coaches especially coming from Africa,” he explained.

HUGE GROWTH IN LYLE FOSTER CAREER

“The last two years have been doing well for Westerlo, he has grown, and for me, he looks like a complete player.

“He also looks like mentally he is also strong.

“The advantage he has is that the Westerlo coach [Jonas De Roeck] worked with Kompany and they play more or less similar football.

“So I think he will be fine and it’s a well-deserved move if you look at his progress.”

MOTIVATION TO OTHER YOUNG PLAYERS 

“Just maybe a lesson for younger players as well to be patient with themselves and work hard. He is the type of striker that works very hard, he runs the whole 90 minutes for a coach.

“So as a South African I am proud to see players who never give up on themselves even when they fail a few times.” 

RELATED STORY: Lyle Foster gets heartwarming farewell from Westerlo FC

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