Lyle Foster's recent performance for Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup last 32 clash against Ajax Cape Town was a display of a striker who is far beyond his age, this according to development mentor, Augusto Palacios.
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The 17-year-old was given a brief runout against Ajax when he was brought in for the two-goal hero Bernard Morrison. Foster quickly got involved in the match and had several chances to score. However. It was some of his hold up and combination play that has evoked praise from Palacious.
"Lyle showed maturity in the game. He showed different dimensions to game in the 10 minutes he played. He can hold up the ball like a classic number nine, but his speed means he can also run in behind defenders," said Palacious.
"He wasn't given much time to play but in the little he was given, he did a lot and gave Pirates mobility and speed up front. The decision-making like when to pass and when to shoot will develop with time but what he showed really made me happy.
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"Players like Foster show what can be done when clubs believe in their young talents. I have always believed that players should be making their professional debuts in the senior team at 17 and 18-year-old. Unfortunately, at this age our players are still playing at development level and only make their professional debuts at 23 or 24-years old," added the development mentor.
Foster has nine league appearances and one start as he continues to establish himself in the Bucs team.
