Augusto Palacios’ take on Lyle Foster’s return to Bafana Bafana
Former Orlando Pirates coach Augusto Palacios has provided his perspective on the return of Burnley FC striker Lyle Foster to the SA national team, Bafana Bafana.
Foster was named in the final 23-man squad by coach Hugo Broos on Thursday for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. South Africa will take on Nigeria and Zimbabwe on 7th and 11th June, respectively.
After taking a break due to mental health issues in November 2023, Foster is making a comeback to international football. His absence meant that he missed 11 national team matches and the chance to compete in the 2023 AFCON finals.
Despite his regular appearances for The Clarets, the 23-year-old faced criticism in South Africa for not playing for his national team.
In Bafana colours, Foster has accumulated 12 caps and scored four goals.
AUGUSTO PALACIOS ON LYLE FOSTER RETURNING TO BAFANA BAFANA
Palacios said that he is delighted to see his academy graduates from the Augusto Palacios Apprentice Academy receiving another opportunity to represent Bafana. The coach has immense confidence in Foster’s abilities and firmly believes that, with time, the striker will regain his top form and start scoring goals consistently.
“It’s all about continuity,” Palacios told FARPost. He’s been scoring for his club. He’s been performing for his club and he has once scored for his country.
“He loves his country, he’s not alone, and for him to perform very well, there has to be continuity first.
“I believe that this is the right time and perfect opportunity for him to silence his doubters. We all know what he’s capable of doing and what he does best on the pitch. Soon, he will get it right and return to the best version of himself that is previously known of him in football.”
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