Tshabalala backs Foster to silence critics at World Cup
Bafana Bafana legend Siphiwe Tshabalala believes striker Lyle Foster has what it takes to bounce back from recent criticism and prove his worth at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Burnley forward has come under scrutiny from some supporters following his performances for the national team, particularly after missing a penalty in Bafana’s goalless draw against Nicaragua in an international friendly last week.
The miss drew a negative reaction from sections of the crowd, with some fans booing Foster when he was substituted, while others voiced their frustrations on social media.
Despite the criticism, Bafana coach Hugo Broos has stood firmly behind the 25-year-old, reminding supporters that even the world’s best players have missed penalties.
Now Tshabalala, who famously scored South Africa’s opening goal at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, has urged Foster to use the criticism as motivation rather than allowing it to affect his confidence.
“It’s not nice being booed, but it also requires a different level of intelligence and maturity,” Tshabalala said.
“You can take positives from that experience and build from it. We know he’s a good player because he is in the team. Lyle has the quality.”
Tshabalala pointed to Foster’s experience in one of the world’s toughest leagues as proof that he has the ability to handle pressure.
“In this squad, he’s one of the players who has competed at the highest level. He plays, or has played, in the English Premier League, which is regarded as the best league in the world.
“So he’s got the experience and he’s got the heart. When you’re being booed, it becomes a character-building phase in your career.”
The former Kaizer Chiefs star is confident Foster will emerge stronger from the setback and hopes the criticism will inspire him to deliver on football’s biggest stage.
“I think he’ll overcome it. I just hope that whenever they boo him, it fires him up and we get to see the very best of him at the World Cup,” Tshabalala added.
With the tournament set to get underway next week in Mexico, Foster will have the perfect opportunity to answer his critics and play a key role in Bafana