The 26-year-old, currently on loan at Houston Dynamo from Burnley, sits on 10 goals for the national team. He is two short of the 12 goals shared by Siphiwe Tshabalala and Tokelo Rantie, who occupy ninth and tenth places on the all-time list.
Foster was included in the preliminary squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea, as well as a friendly against Egypt, but did not make the final cut. Mosimane declined to discuss players who were omitted when asked about the decision.
The former Orlando Pirates forward was the leading scorer in the current Bafana setup, having last found the net in a 3-2 win over Zimbabwe at the 2025 AFCON. With age on his side, he had been viewed as the strongest candidate from the present generation to challenge Benni McCarthy’s record of 31 goals.
That opportunity has now been delayed, at least in the short term. The baton for the current generation has shifted towards Orlando Pirates winger Oswin Appollis, who has eight international goals.
Mosimane has publicly noted a shortage of quality striking options available to him. In Bafana’s opening qualifier, two defenders — Ime Okon and Samukele Kabini — scored the goals that secured a 2-1 victory over Guinea at Orlando Stadium.
Foster’s omission marks a significant moment under the new coaching regime and leaves the striker needing a return to the national team fold if he is to resume his pursuit of the historical landmarks.