How living with Lyle Foster shaped Thabiso Monyane

The two grew up together in football, side by side from academy years into their professional careers, representing South Africa at various age groups, including the senior national team.

Speaking to iDiski Times, Monyane revealed how circumstances led him to live with Foster's family.

"What led to me living with his family was because my parents had moved to Cape Town. At that time, the club I was with, Orlando Pirates, had moved me and Lyle to Parktown Boys High. His family took me in and adopted me as their child until my parents came back," he explained.

The 25-year-old described how living with Foster strengthened their bond.

"My brother Lyle, I call him my brother now because we've been together for so long, since I was 12, and it has been nothing but a great blessing to be with him. We did everything together, training together."

Monyane added that Foster has been a constant source of inspiration.

"Lyle has been there to elevate me. I remember he went to the first team before me, which pushed me to work hard to get there too. When I finally made it, he moved to Monaco, and that inspired me to say it's possible; I must work hard to get there myself."

He stressed the importance of their brotherly connection both on and off the field.

"What we have is a brother bond; he is family to me, as well as the Foster family. Seeing Lyle's success pushes me. It shows that you actually need to work hard and keep learning in football."

Monyane concluded by highlighting the wider impact on his peers from the junior ranks.

"It's heart-warming to see the likes of Lyle being in Europe; it is evidence that he worked hard. There's also Oswin Appollis and many more—proof that dedication pays off."