Premier League star shares latest on his injury as Bafana prepare to play Rwanda

Bafana Bafana striker Lyle Foster has updated on the knock he suffered recently while turning out for the national team against Zimbabwe in Group C's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier played on Friday, October 10 in Durban.

South Africa came into the match hoping to collect a win to stand a chance of topping their pool, but ended up sharing the spoils as the game ended goalless. Mbekezeli Mbokazi was sent off in that particular match, meaning he is suspended ahead of the final game in the group against Rwanda.

Foster was also seen limping after that fixture at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, which frustrated Mzansi in their bid to get maximum points that could have seen the team remain level on points with current leaders Benin.

It is MD-1 in Mbombela, and we are working!!!

2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier
Group C

⚽️ South Africa 🇿🇦 vs 🇷🇼 Rwanda
🗓 14 October 2025
⏰️ 18h00
🏟 Mbombela Stadium #BafanaPride@flysaa @SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/HqEsRC1WUG

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) October 13, 2025

Latest on Foster's injury

“I feel okay. It obviously wasn't the result that we wanted [against Zimbabwe]. We believed we would get a different result, but it wasn't to be,” he said as quoted by SABC Sport.

“But I think it's how it goes sometimes. I think we played really well, unfortunately. But I think the mood in the camp is still very good. I think we know it's still far from over. We play on Tuesday in a very big game, and I think if we get a result there and a lot of things work for us, then I think it's just about focusing on the next one.

“No reason to feel despondent. If there's nothing to be played for, or there's no chance, I'd understand, but there wouldn't be a reason to be despondent, so like I said, there's still so much to play for,” Foster added.

Supporters urged to turn out in large numbers

Ahead of the game against Amavubi at the Mbombela Stadium, the 25-year-old has now urged the supporters to turn out in large numbers and cheer the team. The Burnley star has vowed Bafana Bafana will get a positive result.

“The support has been great for Bafana as of late, and I just ask for the same sort of support that we had in Moses [Mabhida Stadium] and previous camps as well,” Foster continued. 

“I think this is probably the most important [match], so we ask that the supporters come out in numbers and we'll make sure to deliver and give a result,” he concluded. 

For Bafana Bafana to qualify, they need to win against Rwanda and hope Nigeria, who are also hoping to get the World Cup ticket, beat Benin.