Foster puts his experience to good use

Bucs star powers Amajita to a win

As one of a handful players in the SA Under-20 national team with experience of playing in the Absa Premiership, Orlando Pirates striker Lyle Foster is aware of his responsibility to lead by example every time he represents Amajita.

Foster did not disappoint when his brace inspired the junior national team to a 3-0 victory over Mozambique in the second-leg of the CAF U20 African Cup of Nations’ second-round qualifier at Moruleng Stadium at the weekend. Kaizer Chiefs’ Wiseman Meyiwa was also on target.

“Luckily in this [home] leg I scored two, the pressure was off my shoulder. Going into the next round of qualifiers, nothing less can be expected from me or any other player in the team,” Foster said.

“It is always nice to score as a striker. It is something that you like to do in every game.

“Scoring goals always gives me a relief.”

After beating Mozambique 4-1 on aggregate, the South Africans’ next task is against Malawi in the third and final round of the qualifiers in July. Amajita will host the first leg on the weekend of July 13-15, with the return leg set to be played in Malawi the following weekend.

“We came in for two wins but managed to finish the job against Mozambique. [It was] the first time meeting some of the guys but the bond has strengthened. Against Malawi, [it] should be a bit easier with the team aspect. I think that we can grind the results from both legs.”

Winning against Malawi will see Amajita qualify for next year’s CAF Youth Cup of Nations to be hosted by Niger – where the top four countries at the eight-nation event will qualify for the

Fifa U-20 World

Cup, to be staged in Poland next year as well.