South African international Lyle Foster is still pinching himself at working with former Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany as well as his assistant former Liverpool forward Craig Bellamy at Burnley in the Championship.
The Clarets signed Foster from Belgian side K.V.C. Westerlo for an undisclosed fee, though it is believed to be around €7 million, which could rise to €10 million – making it a new record deal for a South African football international.
The 22-year-old striker penned a four-and-a-half-year deal at Turf Moor and became the Clarets’ third signing of the January transfer window at that time.
Since he arrived at the club, Foster has featured in four matches for Burnley, saying he is still in the adaptation phase of his career at the club and also the cold weather in England, but is relishing to learn from the club’s legends on the sidelines.
“For me it is a huge honour to learn from someone as great as the coach was in his playing days,” said Foster via SuperSport TV.
“I’m honoured every day to learn from him and also especially with Craig being the great striker he was. I used to watch him when he was with Liverpool – great striker.
“For me it is about coming here and having an opportunity to work with these legends.”
Kompany is rated as one of the greatest defenders of all time in the Premier League, having won the EPL four times with City, as well as two FA Cups, four League Cups and two Community Shields.
Bellamy, who won the Championship in the 2012/13 season with Cardiff City, was part of the Liverpool side that lost the UEFA Champions League final to AC Milan in 2007.
Meanwhile, South African football fans have adopted Burnley as their latest club following the arrival of Foster, who also sent a message to supporters in Mzansi.
“People back home are really fanatic,” added Foster after South Africans have flooded social media with whenever Burnley share a pic of him in the club’s gear.
“They are really happy that I’m here and that I’m a player that is playing in England, something I longed for so long.
– Advertisement –
“I’m just happy to be that guy and hopefully I can deliver on the pitch to keep the smile and good interactions going.”
The former Orlando Pirates striker’s side sit at the top of the Championship with 69 points after 31 matches played, eight ahead of the second placed Sheffield United. They face Luton Town on Saturday at 17:00 and the match is shown live on SuperSport.
