Broos backs Rayners amid Foster scare

Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos, is not too concerned about Lyle Foster’s injury ahead of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier against Congo Brazzaville on Tuesday.

Foster was stretchered off the pitch shortly after scoring the fourth goal of the game in South Africa’s 5-0 drubbing of the same opponents on Friday night in Gqeberha, and his replacement Rayners added the fifth.

“Lyle, I never think I saw Lyle so sharp as he was today. I saw this in training this week and I told him you’re looking sharp, keep that,” said Broos.

“We will see what it will be like for Tuesday and let’s hope that our medical team has some magic hands that he can recover for Tuesday, he had a knock on his leg, so it’s not bad but on the other side it’s the muscle so he can’t walk.”

The Belgian has also backed Rayners to step up should Foster not be available.

“We don’t have much, three days, but it’s possible, so let’s see what happens with Lyle in the next three days and if we have to change, I can tell you now – I have full confidence in Iqraam. That guy, when he has to play on Tuesday, he will be ready, I am sure.”