After being notably absent from the Bafana Bafana squad that clinched a bronze medal at the Afcon 2023 tournament in Ivory Coast, striker Lyle Foster has made a timely return to the national team fold.
The Burnley FC forward came on as a substitute for South Africa in the 2026 World Cup qualifier against Nigeria on Friday night, contributing to the 1-1 draw that kept Bafana ahead of the Super Eagles in the table with three matches played.
READ: Defender The First Out At Chiefs?
Augusto Palacios, Foster's former youth coach and a respected figure in South African football, has voiced his support for Foster's reintegration into the national team. In an exclusive interview with Soccer Laduma, the former Orlando Pirates mentor expressed confidence in Foster's current form and mental preparedness for the challenges that lie ahead. Reflecting on Foster's journey and recent performances, Palacios highlighted the striker's growth and readiness to contribute significantly to the national team.
Having played about 20 minutes against Nigeria, it is hoped that Foster could feature in a bigger role from the start in the second match, against Zimbabwe on Tuesday evening, June 11.
"If you look at how he has been performing since January you can say this is the right time for Lyle (Foster) to come back to the national team. He has grown as a player both mentally and physically. He has shown that he is focused on his work as a player and as a striker. He has been scoring for his club and you need a player with that kind of confidence for the national team. This is the right time and I am happy that he is back in the national team. I have known him as a player since he was young and I know he is hungry to play for his country and do well," Palacios told Soccer Laduma.
Palacios, who has also served as a Bafana coach in the past, is optimistic about Foster's potential impact for South Africa.
"You see the way he has been playing at Burnley it shows that he will get it right at Bafana Bafana now and silence his doubters. He has what it takes to do well at the national team just as he has been doing at his club. It's good that the national team coach has recalled him to the national team and he is ready now," Palacios concluded.
Foster's return to Bafana Bafana comes at a crucial time as South Africa aim to secure a spot in the 2026 tournament. With his recent form and the backing of influential figures like Palacios, Foster is hoping to make a significant contribution to the national team's efforts.
READ: Foster Unlikely To Follow Kompany
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
