Former Bafana Bafana striker Mark Williams has revealed that he has spoken to forwards Lyle Foster and Evidence Makgopa about blocking out noise at the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Williams, a member of the Bafana 1996 AFCON-winning squad was at the team’s farewell concert this past weekend which was preceded by the international friendly against Nicaragua where Foster was booed by some fans at Orlando Amstel Arena.
The 25-year-old Burney striker missed a penalty that could have broken the deadlock in the game that finished goalless. Williams defended Foster saying the latter wouldn’t intentionally miss a target.
The former Kaizer Chiefs forward believes players gain confidence when they receive support citing Makgopa who also went through a stint of experiencing the frustrations of the fans.
Williams went to say he has actually reached out to the duo but also knows Hugo Broos will also speak to them and show his support.
“It’s not the first time dealing with this Lyle and people must understand he can’t be so bad,” said Williams.
“I mean, this is a guy that plays in England, one of the top, top divisions in football. So, I think that people must show a bit of love and respect, actually, because it is his job. It’s not like the guy is trying not to score.
“I mean, I don’t know if people remember, Makgopa the same thing what happened but he got confidence when the fans came after him. And again, I had a chat with both of them and said, ‘Guys, good luck, you know, forget what’s happening, go out there’ and they play in the world stage.
“You know, I wish I could have had more time to talk to him, but I think the coach will talk to him and say, ‘look up your head you are playing in the top league’. So, from my side, I just want to say that go out there, you know, give your 100% and try and forget about the fans.”
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