Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has challenged striker Lyle Foster to elevate his performance and apply more pressure on defenders.
The 25-year-old forward missed several opportunities during Bafana’s 1-1 draw with Panama last Friday.
Despite maintaining a respectable goal-scoring ratio for his national team, the Burnley forward has frequently faced criticism for his work ethic and for missing straightforward chances.
In the 28 matches he has played for Bafana, Foster has scored 10 goals, consistently rewarding Broos for his ongoing support.
As the team prepares for the second friendly against Panama, Broos acknowledged that the former Orlando Pirates striker has shown moments of laziness on the pitch.
“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 that moves more, that puts the defenders more under pressure,” Broos told the media.
Broos on Foster’s perfomace
Against Panama, the Burnley star had several chances to score but failed to find the back of the net. Broos feels Foster can be more dangerous when making runs and combining with teammates than waiting in the box.
“In the first half, he did some moments, but the second half was much better. Lyle moves a lot, he’s quick, he’s strong. He can be more dangerous than when he’s waiting for the ball. I know he’s strong also when you’re giving him the ball in the feet, we don’t use so much of such balls, this is not our game.
“We don’t play with someone in attack who will keep the ball and then players who are playing around. We play football that needs movement and also for the strikers. Again, Lyle was tired after an hour or after 70 minutes. But okay, I like more that he’s tired after 70 minutes then angry or frustrated that we don’t move him,” Broos added.
On Tuesday, Bafana host Panama in another friendly match. Whether Broos starts with Foster upfront remains to be seen.