Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has made a frank evaluation of Lyle Foster after the Burnley FC striker struggled to make a significant impact during Friday’s international friendly match against Panama at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
South Africa were held to a 1-1 draw by the Central Americans in a match they had to come from behind. Yoel Barcenas sent the visitors ahead after 23 minutes before Oswin Appollis struck back for the 1996 African champions three minutes into the second half.
Broos’ side and Panama are both preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It was Bafana’s first match since January, when they were edged 2-1 by Cameroon to bow out of the 2025 AFCON at the Round of 16 stage.
The Belgian coach opted to start Foster as the main man upfront. The Premier League striker was then withdrawn for Orlando Pirates’ Evidence Makgopa with 18 minutes to go.
After returning from AFCON with two goals, Foster had high expectations for him against Panama. But he struggled to impose himself upfront in an attacking setup where he was supported by the likes of Themba Zwane, Tshepang Moremi and Oswin Appollis.
BROOS PULLS NO PUNCHES ON FOSTER AFTER BAFANA STRIKER FIRED BLANKS
“For me, Lyle is a very good striker, but sometimes he’s a little bit lazy in the game. I told him a few days ago that we need someone who moves more, who puts the defenders more under pressure,” said Broos.
“In the first half, he had some moments, but the second half was much better. Lyle moves a lot, he is quick, he is strong.
“He can be more dangerous than when he is waiting for the ball. I know he is strong also when you are giving him the ball on the feet, he doesn’t lose so many balls, but this is not our game.
“We don’t play with someone in attack who will keep the ball, and then players who are playing around. We play football that needs movement, and also for the strikers.
“Again, Lyle was tired after an hour or after 70 minutes. But okay, I like it more that he’s tired after 70 minutes than that he’s angry or frustrated that we don’t move him enough on the pitch.
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