Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has brushed off some fans booing Lyle Foster after he missed the penalty against Nicaragua on Friday.
Foster, 25, had the chance to put Bafana ahead from the penalty spot after it initially seemed like Themba Zwane would take the penalty.
However, it was just a ploy and Zwane handed Foster the ball but the Burnley striker put his attempt on the post.
As Bafana entered the break, some fans were booing Foster, who was replaced at half-time by Iqraam Rayners. But Broos insisted his players shouldn’t listen to fans, as they hate you one day and love you the next.
“Fans today they are not happy and tomorrow they kiss you,” he said.
“This is important that the fans support, but that can be a reason to moan.
“Fans are fans, they react with their heart. And you know that’s emotional, so that’s not so important.”
‘Lyle Needs A Confidence Boost’
Broos then also explained that Foster needs a bit of additional support after dropping out of the squad under interim coach Mike Jackson, while insisting Foster’s half-time substitution was pre-agreed.
“Lyle the last three or four games, he didn’t play in Burnley anymore since the change of the coach,” he added.
“He was not even on the bench anymore. I think Lyle needs a little bit also confidence from other sides, and also a little better physical condition.
“You see, a good Lyle is quick, he’s active. Today, the first half and that’s not the reason why we changed him, that was before set – at half-time Lyle out and Iqraam in.
“But you see Lyle for the moment doesn’t have big confidence, he’s a little bit doubting. So we have to work on it a little bit also in training. We have to try that he is again on the level a few months ago.
“Those things happen, change of coaches and suddenly they put you on the bench and next game you’re in the stands. He’s struggling now a little bit, but it will be ok, we have time now to put him back where we want him.”