Lyle Foster: SAFA Supports Burnley Striker’s Decision to Skip AFCON for Mental Health Reasons

• Lyle Foster has excused himself from participating in the AFCON next month
• The Burnley striker is undergoing treatment for mental health concerns
• The SAFA is in full support of his decision and has given him their blessings

The CEO of the South African Football Association (Safa), Lydia Monyepao, has affirmed the organization's support for Lyle Foster's decision to excuse himself from participating in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Ivory Coast next month.

The Burnley striker, originally named in South Africa's preliminary squad for the tournament, has been omitted as he continues to undergo treatment for mental health concerns.

Burnley's manager, Vincent Kompany, stated in mid-December that the 23-year-old could not travel, stressing the importance of prioritizing Foster's mental well-being.

“It is not something he can do at the moment, going away for a long time and being in a very different environment. His love for his country has no limits and his desire to do well has no limits, but that would be going against the advice of every expert that has been assisting him in recent months,” Kompany is quoted by The Athletic.

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South Africa's manager, Hugo Broos, finalized the squad on December 28, 2023, relying on a medical report from Burnley that echoed Kompany's assessment. Foster returned to play on December 16 against Everton, participated in the win over Fulham, and started in the Boxing Day defeat to Liverpool.

SAFA CEO Monyepao reiterated the organization's understanding of the seriousness of mental health issues in sports. She said that Foster, in a letter to SAFA, expressed his desire to take a break and concentrate on addressing his mental health challenges.

"He's got the blessings of SAFA because mental health is a serious issue, and we understand the challenges players go through. His letter was clear that he has mental health issues and wants to focus on his career with his club as well. He said he doesn't feel ready to play for Bafana Bafana because he has been going through a tough time, and we gave him the blessings," Monyepao told Times Live.

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Monyepao confirmed that Foster sent the letter to SAFA, initiating discussions between Dr. Thulani Ngwenya of Safa and medical counterparts at Burnley.

The issue was addressed as a medical concern, with detailed discussions preceding Foster's decision to take time off and send the formal letter.

The tournament is scheduled from January 13 to February 11.

Broos explains Foster's omission

Sports Brief reported when South Africa head coach Hugo Broos left him out of the final 23-man squad for the tournament set to kick off early next month.

Foster was included in the 50-man provisional squad, and it was unlikely that he would be named in the final squad for Ivory Coast.

He missed seven Premier League games for Burnley for personal reasons and last month's World Cup qualifiers.