Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams has come out in defence of striker Lyle Foster, describing him as the national team’s “powerhouse” despite a recent dry spell in front of goal.
Foster, who turns out for Burnley FC in England, has faced scrutiny from some of the fans following his lack of killer instinct for both club and country. However, Williams insists that the forward’s quality is “undisputed” and that his contribution to Hugo Broos’ side goes far beyond just the scoresheet.
Last week, Hugo Broos noted that he demands more from Foster after Bafana’s 1-1 draw with Panama in an international friendly on Friday in Durban.
The Belgian tactician praised Foster’s strength but labeled him “a little bit lazy” at times, urging the striker to embrace the high-intensity movement Bafana requires.
“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.
‘YOU DON’T PLAY IN EPL FOR SO MANY YEARS IF YOU DON’T HAVE QUALITY’: WILLIAMS ON FOSTER
The Mamelodi Sundowns goal-minder, Williams, was quick to remind critics that Foster’s status as a Premier League-level player is no accident.
Williams went on to acknowledge that the 25-year-old is facing a difficult period but praised his mental fortitude during this challenging time.
“I mean, Lyle is a big boy. You don’t play in the English Premier League [EPL] for so many years if you don’t have quality. And that reminds you that you’re a quality player. Yes, he’s probably in a difficult moment, not only with the national team but also with his club. So, it’s a challenging time for him, and people need to understand that,” said Ronwen Williams.
“When you watch where his team is at and how difficult it is for him, you can see the struggle. But for him to wake up every day, show his face, and keep running and working for the team despite missed chances, that’s what matters. Hopefully, the ball will definitely go inside the net because he has quality.
“He’s still the same person that he had been. I have been trying to keep an eye on him, but he seems like he’s okay. So, there isn’t too much going on at this moment. I just think he needs that goal to gain his confidence back. Hopefully, tomorrow night [referring to tonight’s game], the chances he gets, he will bury them and go back to England happy.
“We need him to come and help us during the World Cup; he’s our powerhouse. Up front, he’s been amazing for us; he scored wonderful goals at AFCON. So, we need Lyle in good spirits, and the country must support him. He’s our player, and he has done wonders for our country, so support him in good and bad moments because he will bang goals.”
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