LYLE Foster makes Mzansi proud.
The young striker is living the dream and flying the country's flag high.
This after he helped the English side Burnley FC secure their return to the English Premier League.
Foster couldn't be happier.
The 24-year-old diski player om Noordgesig, Soweto, has carved his name in the history books, becoming one of a few Mzansi footballers to feature in the world's most-watched league.
Taking to social media, the former Orlando Pirates forward was full of gratitude and joy.
"Promotion Day, 100 points, 30 clean sheets, 16 goals conceded and back to the Premier League. Record-breaking season. Grateful to be part of this amazing group, staff and whole team included.
"I couldn't have asked for a better season. Injuries here and there, but that's what makes us stronger. Stronger next season. Thank God for my beautiful family, girlfriend, friends and everyone who supported me from day one. Still a lot to achieve, Thank God," wrote Foster.
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Foster's journey started at Orlando Pirates. His silky skills and sharp finishing caught the scouts' eyes.
From there, he moved overseas, playing for AS Monaco (France), Cercle Brugge (Belgium), and Westerlo before he joined Burnley in 2023 under manager Vincent Kompany.
Despite battling mental health challenges, which he bravely opened up about in 2024, Foster has shown incredible strength and character both on and off the pitch.
He becomes the latest, in a short but proud list of South African players, to feature in the Premier League.
Lucas Radebe, the legendary Bafana Bafana captain, became a cult hero at Leeds United from 1995 to 2005.
"The Chief", as Lucas is nicknamed, wore the armband and is still remembered by fans as one of their greatest-ever captains.
Phil Masinga, also at Leeds, played alongside Radebe and scored some crucial goals, including the one that sent South Africa to its first World Cup in 1998.
Quinton Fortune made history at Manchester United, winning trophies and rubbing shoulders with legends like David Beckham and Ryan Giggs.
Aaron "Mbazo" Mokoena played for Blackburn Rovers and Portsmouth and also captained Bafana Bafana for many years.
Benni McCarthy, Mzansi's all-time leading goal-scorer, had an unforgettable spell at Blackburn Rovers, where he once finished as the second-highest scorer in the Premier League behind Didier Drogba.
Steven Pienaar, the classy midfielder, made his name at Everton, where he was adored by fans for his creativity and work ethic.
Eric Tinkler, who is now coaching Sekhukhune United, also had a brief stint in the Premier League with Barnsley FC in the 1997/98 season.
Now, Lyle Foster is ready to fly the flag again in the big league, and Mzansi is behind him all the way.
