“He’s a Powerhouse”: Williams Slams Booing Fans, Urges South Africa To Back Foster
Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams has called for national unity behind striker Lyle Foster, following a chorus of boos from the stands during Friday’s 1-1 draw against Panama.
Williams explained that strikers thrive on scoring goals, and when they fail to do so, their confidence can take a significant knock.
Foster is currently enduring a challenging spell at both club and international level, with his confidence seemingly at a low point.
He was heavily booed during Bafana’s first FIFA-sanctioned friendly against Panama at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday.
This came after he missed two clear-cut chances—first, when he was through on goal but allowed the goalkeeper to make a save instead of finding the target, and then when he rounded the goalkeeper but fired wide from a tight angle, leaving coach Hugo Broos clutching his head in frustration.
In the second half, although he was flagged offside, Foster missed another opportunity, reacting in visible frustration.
The crowd grew increasingly vocal, booing him loudly and calling for him to be substituted.
It remains to be seen whether Broos will select Foster again when Bafana host Panama at DHL Stadium on Tuesday.
Williams, however, has urged patience, acknowledging that this is a tough period for the striker, who is also battling for form at club level, with Burnley fighting to retain their Premier League status in England.
“Lyle is a big boy,” said Williams.
“You don’t play in the Premier League for so long without quality. Yes, he is probably going through a difficult moment—not only with the national team, but also at his club.
“It’s a tough time for him, and people need to understand that. When you look at his club situation, you can see how challenging it is. But for him to wake up every day, show up, try again, miss chances, keep working, and continue fighting for the team—that’s all you can ask of him.
“Eventually, the ball will find the back of the net because he has quality. He is still the same person—positive and strong. I’ve been keeping an eye on him, and he seems okay.
“I think he just needs that one goal to rebuild his confidence. For strikers, once the ball hits the back of the net, they forget all their problems.
“Hopefully, on Tuesday night, he can take his chances and go back to England with confidence for the final stretch of the season, then return to help us again because we need him.”
Foster was one of Bafana Bafana’s top scorers at the Africa Cup of Nations, netting twice as Hugo Broos’ side exited in the round of 16.
Broos will be hoping Foster rediscovers his form ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June.
“He is a powerhouse up front. He has been amazing for us and scored a wonderful goal at AFCON. We need Lyle in good spirits, and the country must support him,” Williams added.
“Support him in both good and bad moments because he will score goals.”
