South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has called on striker Lyle Foster to raise his work rate despite acknowledging his ability, following the national side’s 1-1 draw with Panama in an international friendly.
Bafana Bafana were held by the Central American visitors in the first of two scheduled matches at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday. The teams are due to meet again in a second friendly fixture in Cape Town on Tuesday, where both sides will look to improve on their initial performance.
Speaking after the match, Broos offered a measured assessment of his team’s display, highlighting signs of progress compared to their performances earlier this year at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). However, he reserved particular attention for Foster, whose missed chances drew criticism.
The Belgian coach made clear he rates the Burnley forward highly but believes there is room for improvement in his overall contribution, especially in terms of movement and pressing opposition defenders.
“For me Lyle is a very good striker, but sometimes he’s a little bit lazy in the game,” said Broos in the post-match press conference.
He explained that he had already spoken to the player prior to the match, stressing the importance of being more active on the pitch and creating problems for defenders.
“I told him a few days ago that we need someone that moves more, that puts the defenders more under pressure,” Broos said.
The coach noted that Foster showed glimpses of this approach during the game, particularly after the interval, when his performance improved.
“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,” he added.
Broos also pointed out that South Africa’s tactical approach does not favour a static striker who holds up play, but instead relies on constant movement across the attacking line.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Despite his criticism, Broos appeared encouraged by Foster’s effort levels later in the game, even noting that fatigue can be a positive sign of commitment.
“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.”
The second friendly in Cape Town now offers both Foster and the wider South African team an opportunity to respond, as preparations continue ahead of future competitive fixtures.
