Former Orlando Pirates coach Augusto Palacios has broken his silence about Lyle Foster’s mental health illness at English Premiership club Burnley FC.
According to Burnley, Foster was sidelined in recent matches and is receiving counselling for his illness after he asked the club for help.
“Foster is in the care of specialists who are giving him the support and care he needs to help him back to full health,” reads part of the statement from the club.
“With the love and support of his family and everyone at the club, we will do all we can to provide everything he needs to get better.”
Palacios is Foster’s mentor and was responsible for grooming him to stardom at the Augusto Palacios Apprentice Academy in Mayfair, Johannesburg.
Illness affects many players
“Mental health is a very serious problem and it’s not only Lyle who is suffering from this – about 75% of professional players are struggling with this, it’s just that they are not coming out in the open,” Palacios opened up to Sunday World.
“Foster is very brave, and I am happy he is taking care of his health. I have not gotten the chance to talk to him, this is a private matter.
“I am very proud of what the club is doing for him, they care for their player. Not many clubs can show that kind of good gesture.”
Palacios added that he always speaks with Lyle Foster’s family, noting that the player is currently out of touch in order for him to focus on his treatment.
Burnley’s leading scorer
“The [Burnley] coach Vincent Kompany has a good relationship with the boy and that is a plus. He is also getting a lot of positive messages.
“We’re hoping that he will be back on the field and playing football soon.”
In October, Burnley revealed that the Johannesburg-born goal poacher extended his contract at the club for five more years, a deal that will see him staying at the Clarets until June 2028.
He started the season with a bang and has scored three goals so far, becoming the club’s leading scorer in the elite league after they were promoted from the Championship.
He also provided two assists for his teammates.
