Benni McCarthy believes Lyle Foster has what it takes to eventually take his name off the Bafana Bafana record books, backing the Burnley striker to become South Africa’s all-time leading goalscorer.
McCarthy, who remains Bafana’s record goalscorer with 31 goals in 80 appearances, has identified Foster as a player with the quality and characteristics to surpass his long-standing international record.
The former Bafana striker believes Foster is beginning to rediscover his best form and has the ability, presence and natural qualities required to lead the national team’s attack for years to come.
However, McCarthy insists the responsibility does not rest solely on the striker, highlighting the importance of providing the right service and building the team’s approach around the strengths of its forwards.
“Lyle is finding his footing again, he’s top notch, top notch. I said a long time ago, I think if there’s a player that has got the characteristics, that has the quality that will take my name off the record books there, it could be Lyle,” he said.
“He’s got the ability, he’s got the aura, but he needs the service, he needs the team to play for him – and Iqraam Rayners as well.
“But you need to play to the strengths of the strikers you have, then it becomes difficult for them to score goals.”
Foster, who has established himself as an important figure in the Bafana setup, will hope to continue building his international goalscoring tally as South Africa look to become increasingly competitive on the continental stage.
While McCarthy’s record of 31 goals has stood for years, his endorsement of Foster, who sits on 10 goals, suggests he believes the 25-year-old has the potential to become the next great goalscoring figure in South African football.