Burnley striker Foster named in South Africa squad

Burnley striker Lyle Foster has been named in South Africa’s World Cup squad as the country prepare to play in the tournament finals for the first time since they hosted the 2010 competition.

Nineteen of the 26-man squad named by 74-year-old Belgian coach Hugo Broos play in the South African league, with Foster the only British-based player.

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South Africa face co-hosts Mexico in the tournament opener on 11 June in Mexico City, before Group A clashes with Czech Republic in Atlanta on 18 June and South Korea in Monterrey on 24 June.

Uncapped defenders Olwethu Makhanya and Bradley Cross, who was at Newcastle United’s academy but left without playing a senior match, have both been named.

Broos has already said he will retire after the finals.

The former defender quit international football as a player after the 1986 World Cup that was also hosted in Mexico, where he helped Belgium to fourth place.

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“I know those players who had to drop out will be very disappointed,” Broos said. “There were some very difficult decisions to be made. I hope I have chosen the right ones.”

South Africa have appeared in three previous World Cup finals having debuted in 1998. They qualified again in 2002 and hosted the tournament eight years later. They exited in the group stages on each occasion.

South Africa World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates).

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Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndamane (all Mamelodi Sundowns), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Nkosinathi Sibisi, Kamogelo Sebelebele (both Orlando Pirates), Ime Okon (Hannover), Samukele Kabini (Molde FK), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire).

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela).

Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng (all Orlando Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley), Iqraam Rayners, Themba Zwane (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol).