Burnley FC manager Vincent Kompany – caught between Lyle Foster’s yearning to represent Bafana Bafana and the club’s commitment to his mental well-being – has spoken out again.
His words, “He loves to play for his country,” reveal a passionate player at the heart of a complex situation.
The South Africa international’s potential participation in the upcoming AFCON remains in doubt despite his return to action for Burnley last week. Kompany has reiterated the club’s stance that Foster is not yet ready for international duty based on medical advice.
Last week, Kompany stated that the 23-year-old forward would not be joining South Africa’s national team for the tournament despite being named in the preliminary 50-man squad.
Two days later, Foster surprisingly appeared on Burnley’s bench for their match against Everton, coming on as a substitute to make his first appearance in 10 weeks.
In early November, Burnley announced Foster would be taking an indefinite break from football to receive specialist treatment for his mental wellbeing.
VINCENT KOMPANY’S EXPLANATION ON BAFANA BAFANA STRIKER LYLE FOSTER
Kompany acknowledged Foster’s physical improvement, noting that he could potentially play 45-60 minutes but needs to increase his fitness further. However, he emphasised that Foster’s participation in AFCON is out of the question.
“It’s not even my decision, it’s not up to me. He just can’t. It’s the medical advice we’re getting at the moment,” Kompany said.
Kompany acknowledges the clash between Foster’s desire to play for his country and the club’s priority for his well-being. He expressed his personal support for AFCON and his understanding of its significance as an African coach.
“The conflict of course is that he loves to play for his country. Even from my side, the AFCON is a big trophy, it’s a big competition. It’s important for me as an African coach to support the competition, but it’s not up to me. I just relay,” Kompany stated.
Kompany emphasised that Burnley has prioritised Foster’s mental health throughout his recovery process and intends to continue doing so.
“We’ve done everything for the human being to this point, there’s no reason to change all of a sudden now,” he concluded.
His AFCON participation remains uncertain, with the final decision resting on medical recommendations. While his return to the pitch is a positive development, his fitness level and Burnley’s stance present significant hurdles for his inclusion in the South African national team. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining Foster’s next steps on both the club and international fronts.
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