Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy has explained how Houston Dynamo FC striker Lyle Foster can break his all-time Bafana Bafana goalscoring record.
McCarthy remains South Africa’s all-time leading goal-scorer with 31 international goals to his name. Foster, meanwhile, currently sits on 10 goals in Bafana colours.
The Harambee Stars mentor was speaking to the media following Kenya’s 2-2 draw against Bafana in their CAF 2027 AFCON qualifier clash at the Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto on Friday night.
During the encounter, Foster played a key role in the final third, providing the assist for Relebohile Mofokeng to net South Africa’s second goal in the 77th minute.
BENNI MCCARTHY EXPLAINS WHY HE BELIEVES LYLE FOSTER CAN BREAK HIS RECORD
While McCarthy is confident that Foster possesses the pedigree and character to surpass his milestone, he pointed out that the striker requires the right tactical service—a rarity in an era dominated by inverted wingers.
“Well, listen, it’s not just in South Africa; it’s a worldwide thing because when you look at modern-day football, now most teams play inverted wingers,” McCarthy said during his post-match interview.
“So you don’t get crosses anymore—putting it near post for strikers to make that near-post run. It’s difficult when you play a left-footer on the right, or a right-footer playing on the left. So where are the crosses going to come from? The strikers keep making movements.
“Back in my days, we had Delron Buckley, for example; he was a left-footer. Shaun Bartlett, Sibusiso Zuma, and I—we had to make sure, you know, when the ball is on the left foot, one goes near post, one goes second post. Wherever that ball lands, one of us is going to get it.”
McCarthy continued: “But now it’s different, you make a run, and then the wingers cut back onto their strong foot to bring it back, you know? So it’s difficult to breed strikers when you play inverted on the wings.
“But listen, Lyle [Foster], he’s finding his footing again. He’s top-notch. I said this a long time ago. I think if there’s a player who’s got the characteristics, who’s got the quality, who’s going to take my name off the record books there, it could be Lyle because he’s got the ability, and he’s got the aura. But he needs the service; he needs the team to play for him, you know? And Iqraam Rayners as well.
“You’ve got to play to the strengths of the strikers that you have; when you don’t play to the strength of your strikers, it becomes difficult for them to score goals,” he concluded.
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