Lyle Foster became the ninth South African player to score a Premier League goal after netting in Burnley’s 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa.
Foster, 22, started his second Premier League game after Burnley’s round two clash against Luton was postponed.
Despite the personal milestone, Foster and Burnley didn’t have much reason to celebrate after a brace by Matty Cash put them on the back foot early in the game. Foster’s goal just after half-time gave the hosts some hope, but Moussa Diary sealed the deal for the visitors.
But Foster cemented his name in South Africa history books, becoming the ninth player from Mzansi to score in the English top flight.
Benni McCarthy is currently the leading scorer from South Africa in the EPL, netting 37 times overall. Many still remember McCarthy’s debut campaign for Blackburn Rovers when he challenged Chelsea legend Didier Drogba in the golden boot, scoring 18 goals – just two less than Drogba and one more than a certain Cristiano Ronaldo.
Shaun Bartlett is second on the list, scoring 24 times for Charlton Athletic, while Steven Pienaar has netted 22 times – all of them for Everton, despite also running out for Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland.
The other players on the list have not reached double figures, with Philemon Malinga and Quinton Fortune sitting on five goals. Mark Fish has netted four times and Eric Tinkler twice.
Foster equalled the tally of Mbulelo Mabizela, but will hope he can add many more to his tally this season. His coach, Vincent Kompany definitely seems to trust him, as he has started him in both games so far.
