Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane enjoyed the moment Foster chose to pass the ball to Relebohile Mofokeng instead of going for goal himself.
Mofokeng made no mistake with the opportunity, putting South Africa 2-1 ahead in the 76th minute at the Orlando Amstel Arena.
Foster had come on as a substitute in the second half and was making his first appearance under Mosimane.
PITSO MOSIMANE EXPLAINS FOSTER’S ASSIST
The Houston Dynamo striker had missed the coach’s opening three matches following his club move and returned to the squad after a difficult 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He had already come close to scoring after receiving a delivery from fellow substitute Puso Dithejane, but his effort went narrowly wide.
The next opportunity was different. Instead of trying to finish the move himself, Foster picked out Mofokeng. The striker then ran towards the technical area, where Mosimane embraced him.
Speaking to FARPost, Mosimane explained that the celebration was mainly about Foster’s decision to put the team first.
The coach felt the striker could have tried to score himself, but was pleased that he chose to give Mofokeng the opportunity.
“He showed me that he’s not here for himself. Normally, he would not pass that ball back… So he shows that he wants to play for the team and he shows that he’s not selfish. And that’s the embrace. I appreciate that.
Mosimane also praised Mofokeng’s finish, describing it as a quality goal.
He explained that while he would have been happy to see Foster score, the decision to create an opportunity for a teammate made the moment even better.
“Well-taken goal, world-class finish. I celebrated with Rele a lot. But more to Lyle, to say, ‘You really show that you want to play for the country,’ Mosimane added.
FOSTER SENDS A MESSAGE TO HIS TEAMMATES
Mosimane believes players show their attitude through what they do on the pitch.
For him, Foster’s decision was an example of how a striker can contribute to the team even when he has an opportunity to score himself.
“And that’s the only message you can send. You send the message on the pitch by your behaviour. The behaviour tells everything. If he scores without passing it, it’s good also. But it’s also sweeter when we score when he passes, because normally strikers don’t pass.”
Foster’s first appearance under Mosimane therefore gave the coach something positive to take from an otherwise disappointing evening.
Bafana had taken the lead through an own goal before Kenya fought back to level matters.
Mofokeng then restored South Africa’s advantage with his 76th-minute goal, but the hosts could not hold on.
Ryan Ogam scored a late equaliser to make it 2-2 and ensure Kenya left Soweto with a point.
The two teams will meet again in Nairobi on Tuesday, where Foster could get another opportunity to make an impression under the Bafana coach.