Lyle Foster's strong connection with his spiritual home, Orlando Stadium

This is where Foster’s dreams were made and are currently being fulfilled, having made his Orlando Pirates debut at this venue six years ago. 

He has scored two of his three Bafana Bafana goals “eSgodini sika Maminzela”, the Noordgesig born striker is back at home this evening (17:00) for the international friendly match against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

SABC Sport asked Foster, what this stadium means to him.

"It's home, it's home, it's a stadium I've got tattooed on my body.  Noordgesig is about two kilometres from here, we used to walk here to come and watch Pirates play midweek games. A lot of the time, my father, my uncles, all our family are Pirates supporters," Foster said.

"So, even to be able to play here is a great honour for me. It's a club that I'll hold dear to me forever because like I said it's my neighborhood club and the team I grew up supporting. So, playing here is always special. All the time when I score for the country in South Africa, it's here so it's a good thing."

There is an air of optimism around Bafana Bafana and on form striker, Foster believes that the next six months are crucial for Hugo Broos’ team.

Foster (23), the leading goal scorer in the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers for Bafana with three goals, counts the tournament to be held in Ivory Coast in January next year and the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers starting in November as the two biggest projects.

"It's my country at the end of the day, I think the highest honour for every player is being able to represent the national team. So, I don't look at it as breaking anything, it's always an honour to come and represent here.

Obviously to improve to win games. Like I said, there's a new core group. Lots of young guys, I think, I'm the youngest in this camp but I think that this group can do a lot. We've proved it over the last games and the qualifiers.

I mean, there's lots to achieve so hopefully, now preparing for Congo, October it is, November and then January, I think we've got a big six months ahead and preparation and being able to spend as much time together is very important."