Palacios defends Foster’s performance

Player does not deserve to be punished

- By Kgomotso Mokoena

Former Bafana Bafana coach and renowned development guru, Augusto Palacios has fired back at critics of his Bafana and Burnley FC protégée, Lyle Foster’s performance at the 2026 World Cup.

Foster failed to make an impression in the build-up and also when he was tasked to lead Bafana’s attack in Mexico.

The English Premiership player started in the opening match at the Azteca Stadium but failed to lead the South African strike force in the 2-0 defeat. He was later dropped by Bafana coach Hugo Broos from the starting line-up and did not play in any of the World Cup matches afterwards.