Former Orlando Pirates coach says Lyle Foster is in good hands

Former Orlando Pirates coach Augusto Palacios has recently spoken about Lyle Foster’s mental health illness.

The Burnley striker has been sidelined in recent matches following his mental health struggles.

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Palacios, who groomed Foster from a young age, told Sunday World that the Bafana striker was brave to open up and seek help.

Foster sidelined with mental illness

“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 said.

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“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,” he said.

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Foster has had a good debut season in the English Premier League. He has scored three goals this season and is the club’s leading goalscorer this campaign.

Burnley issued a statement on Foster last month

“Foster is in the care of specialists who are giving him the support and care he needs to help him back to full health,” the club said..

“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.”

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The club has not given an indication when Foster will return to action but will likely miss next year’s African Cup of Nations.

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