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.
Palacios is Foster’s mentor and was responsible for grooming the 25-year-old striker to stardom at the Augusto Palacios Apprentice Academy in Johannesburg.
“The Bafana coach knew why he selected Foster and it was by no luck that he made the team and was on the starting XI against Mexico,” Palacios opened up to Sunday World.
“He has been unfairly criticised because he missed a penalty in the friendly against Nicaragua. Other strikers (Evidence Makgopa and Iqraam Rayners) did not score as well but Foster is the only player getting the heat from the supporters. A player cannot be finished just because he missed one penalty. Supporters love to praise their favourite players and criticise those they do not like,” Palacios added.
Foster, who hails from Noordgesig in Johannesburg, made his debut in the PSL against Maritzburg United.
His journey in Europe started when French Ligue 1 side AS Monaco came knocking in 2019, paying €1.20-million (R22-million) to Pirates for the services of the then 18-year-old.
Like many other South African players who move to Europe, Foster struggled at Monaco and was loaned out to Club Brugge in the Belgian first division.
He then attracted the attention of Portuguese side Vitoria Guimaraes and was later loaned out to Westerlo in the 2021/22 season. Burnley then signed the 22-year-old for a reported €7-million, making Foster the most expensive player in South African football history.
“He is like a son to me. I tell him the truth, I cannot lie to him. He loves to work hard and loves his family. He must not play for the supporters or the media. He must continue to stay focused because one bad tournament is not the end of the world,” added Palacios.
- Former Bafana Bafana coach Augusto Palacios defended Lyle Foster's performance at the 2026 World Cup.
- Foster, a protégé of Palacios at Bafana and Burnley FC, faced criticism for his lackluster performances.
- Foster failed to impress both during the World Cup buildup and when leading Bafana's attack in Mexico.
- Palacios responded strongly to critics doubting Foster’s capabilities and development.
- The full article is available in the Sunday World e-edition.
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.
Palacios is Foster’s mentor and was responsible for grooming the 25-year-old striker to stardom at the Augusto Palacios Apprentice Academy in Johannesburg.
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“He has been unfairly criticised because he missed a penalty in the friendly against Nicaragua.
Foster, who hails from Noordgesig in Johannesburg, made his debut in the PSL against Maritzburg United.
His journey in Europe started when French Ligue 1 side AS Monaco came knocking in 2019, paying €1.20-million (R22-million) to Pirates for the services of the then 18-year-old.
Like many other
He then attracted the attention of Portuguese side Vitoria Guimaraes and was later loaned out to Westerlo in the 2021/22 season. Burnley then signed the 22-year-old for a reported €7-million, making Foster the most expensive player in
“He is like a son to me. I tell him the truth, I cannot lie to him. He loves to work hard and loves his family. He must not play for the supporters or the media. He must continue to stay focused because one bad tournament is not the end of the world,” added Palacios.
