Bafana Bafana legend Shaun Bartlett has issued a warning to his fellow countryman and Burnley striker Lyle Foster that the English Premier League will be tough to adapt to due to supporters.
Foster’s Burnley have ensured automatic promotion to the Premier League for the 2023/24 season. They beat promotion hopefuls Middlesbrough 2-1 on last week Friday, with seven games to spare after Luton Town could only draw with Millwall.
The 22-year-old former Orlando Pirates striker completed his long-awaited move to England from Belgium’s KVC Westerlo in January on a reported fee worth €7m (R131m).
SHAUN BARTLETT WARNING
With a vast experience of playing in the European top leagues, the former Kaizer Chiefs striker has urged Foster to give his best as he sent him a stern warning.
“Foster will learn how fun and difficult it is to play in a world-renowned league. He will be competing against the best players in the world.
This could end up making Foster not get game time,” said Bartlett as quoted by Isolezwe.
“Who knows, maybe the coach will change. He must not give up, he must make sure that he absorbs the knowledge from these experienced players. We also felt no panic. I have seen Foster play many times. If he does what I say, South Africa will be one of the countries with internationally respected strikers.”
The Cape Town Spurs head coach knows the pressure that comes with playing in England. He played for Charlton Athletic two decades ago.
Also read: Burnley move a childhood dream for Lyle Foster
Bartlett has stressed that it is tough for players to adjust to the Premier League, and it won’t be easy for Foster as well due to the pressure of the fans.
“The pressure from the fans will be much stronger than before. Next season, Burnley will face teams like Chelsea, Manchester City and others,” he said.
“Although Burnley will be a team that will be underrated by many, but for its fans it is not the case. They will not stand for a player who will let them down. I would advise Foster not to train with the team only, he should also train alone too much.”
By Clifton Mabasa
