Pitso Mosimane challenges Lyle Foster to prove himself after Bafana Bafana recall

The Houston Dynamo forward was absent from Mosimane's first training camp in September but has now been given another opportunity to revive his international career under the new national team coach.

However, the Bafana mentor has challenged Foster to rediscover the form that previously made him an important figure in the national team, insisting that his reputation alone will not guarantee him a regular place.

Mosimane revealed that he had held private discussions with the 26-year-old but was reluctant to disclose the details, emphasising the importance of building a relationship based on trust.

"We've had private conversations which I cannot reveal because that space between a player and a coach is sacred. We need to build trust and confidence between me and the players," Mosimane told reporters.

Although Foster has recently returned to starting action at club level, Mosimane believes the striker still has some ground to cover before reaching his best.

"Foster is playing, and he has started games recently, but honestly he still has to catch up to get back to his peak level. Let's see if his appetite is there because we all know he is a very good striker," he added.

Foster previously established himself as a key member of the national team under former coach Hugo Broos, scoring 11 goals in 33 appearances and contributing twice during South Africa's successful 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

While acknowledging his previous contributions, Mosimane stressed that the forward must take advantage of the opportunity presented to him.

"Yesterday's price is not today's price," he said. "I just want to give him the opportunity to be part of the national team. It is not up to me, it's up to him now."

Interestingly, Foster has previously spoken about his ambition to surpass Benni McCarthy's record of 31 international goals. McCarthy, who is now in charge of Kenya, will face Bafana in the upcoming qualifiers.

South Africa host the Harambee Stars at Orlando Stadium on Friday, 13 November, before travelling to Nairobi for the return fixture on Tuesday, 17 November.