Broos frustrated by Foster, reveals what the striker wrote in a letter

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos expressed his frustration with Burnley star Lyle Foster’s decision not to participate in the African Cup of Nations.

The 23-year-old striker opted out of the tournament and informed Broos not to call him for the national team. Foster cited mental health issues as the reason for his decision.

ALSO READ: Foster’s future at Bafana hanging in the balance after Afcon ‘antics’

He had been out of the game for seven weeks earlier this season due to these issues. Despite returning to action in December and showing signs of form, Broos announced his squad for the Nations Cup without Foster.

The 71-year-old revealed that the striker ruled himself out of the tournament.

“Honestly, I am not happy; I knew from the beginning what the problems were,” Broos said.

“I knew, and I was understanding [of the situation] because I spoke a few times with Burnley coach Vincent Kompany.

Hugo Broos unhappy with Lyle Foster

“Our doctor spoke to his counterpart at Burnley. We put everything together and decided it was not a good thing to call Foster for Afcon,” said the Bafana Bafana coach.

“Lyle Foster himself wrote a letter to say, ‘Please don’t call me because I am not ready to play Afcon’.

ALSO READ: Broos says he was ready to quit Bafana after France thrashing

“But then he starts playing for his club and he plays every game for 90 minutes.

“I am asking myself why it wasn’t possible for him to come with us to Ivory Coast.

ALSO READ: Bafana vs DR Congo: Broos’ men looking to bow out in style

Foster excused himself from playing at the Afcon

“This is my frustration, but I will not blame anyone. I am frustrated when I see him play because we could have used him at Afcon.

“He is a good striker, and he scores. If we had Lyle, we were going to be much stronger,” Broos told the media.

ALSO READ: Lyle Foster makes ‘surprise’ Burnley return

The unavailability of Foster and Mothiba opened space for Evidence Makgopa, who grabbed his opportunity.

“It was not a good situation, but I have confidence in Evidence Makgopa because he can become a good striker,” Broos said.

ALSO READ: No Lyle Foster but Bradley Cross and Oswin Appollis make Bafana cut

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