Vincent Company’s origin and coaching experience come from his native county – Belgium. While former Manchester City captain was the coach of Anderlecht, he saw some interesting players, and among them Lyle Foster. South Africa international was named among Top 60 most promising young players by the British Guardian in 2018, and even signed for French Monaco from Orlando Pirates in 2019, but ended up in various clubs on loans, before switching permanently to K.V.C. Westerlo. This January, he became Burnley’s new signing for 11 million euros as Company thought he will help Clarets in their Premier League campaign next season.The corrupt world of Samuel Eto’o: Leaked messages, match-fixing, harassing and childish pettinessAnd while this transfer made him the most expensive South Africa player, Foster certainly had some mental issues along the way. The Bafana striker opened up about his depression. “Something started to creep in and I realised I was spiralling downwards. I had severe depression and anxiety and it was very difficult to cope with where I was at with performing, with all of these things and focusing on my reality. I was in my apartment by myself. I realised I felt this huge sense of loneliness and emptiness, like I was chasing towards something that I didn’t know if it was for me. I felt I couldn’t freely express myself around my teammates. It was a lot more difficult to do things footballers are supposed to do. I used to try to go to training, play games, but honestly the best thing to do at that time in my life was to get back home and sleep. It was like no real excitement or looking forward to anything. That’s when I realised I’m in a bit of a pickle here, in some trouble. And of course I panicked a bit. I didn’t know what was going on and how to deal with it because it was the first time I was in a position like that” Foster told Marawa Sports Worldwide.Simba midfielder Pape Sakho moves to FranceAs it is usually the case, friends and family were there to offer support which helped him overcome this tough challenge. “I think a turning point for me was coming home to South Africa. I sat with my parents and someone who’s mentoring me spiritually and they just guided me through it, and directed me to the Lord. That’s really what gave me a new lease on life. I was trying to figure it out on my own. Now I know I don’t need to — I’ve got support and friends and family who love me. And just the position I’m in to be a Burnley player, I don’t understand the goodness of the Lord to be preparing to go into my first season in the Premier League. It’s something I’ve dreamed of my whole life” said Foster. ##NAJAVA_MECA_7388834##
