Broos Shields Foster From Fan Criticism

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos believes striker Lyle Foster needs greater support to perform at his best, as the forward continues to face criticism from South African fans.

Despite the scrutiny, Foster has registered two goals and one assist in three matches at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.

The Burnley striker came under intense criticism following the team’s opening match against Angola, but Broos insists that Foster’s qualities can be maximised if he is properly supported on the pitch.

Bafana Bafana’s 3–2 victory over Zimbabwe in their final group-stage match proved crucial, as it secured their place in the knockout rounds of the tournament.

“I think you also need support as a striker; if there’s no support, then it becomes difficult to do something alone,” Broos said.

“The movement around Lyle is good, then he can take advantage of that, and he’s very strong and quick. So, I think that you can use it very well to your advantage and you can score.” 

The 73-year-old mentor also highlighted Foster’s intelligence on the pitch, saying that he knows where to be and can capitalize on scoring opportunities.

“But you can see that in the beginning of the game we started badly, then it was bad for Lyle,” he added.

“In the second half (against Zimbabwe), I think it was better because he’s smart, he knows where to be, and he managed to score.

“I think if they can be good in the next games, then we have a good striker. We have to work on this problem of playing well in one half.”

Foster’s goals against Angola and in the 3–2 win over Zimbabwe have been instrumental in helping Bafana Bafana advance to the knockout stage.

The 1996 African champions will now face the second-placed team from Group F, which will be confirmed after the group’s final matches on Wednesday evening.

Cameroon, Ivory Coast, and Mozambique are currently battling it out in Group F, with Cameroon set to face Mozambique, while Ivory Coast take on Gabon.

Bafana Bafana’s round-of-16 match is scheduled for Sunday, where Foster will be hoping to add to his goal tally in the tournament.