If social media reactions are anything to go by, Percy Tau’s best days are behind him.
Tau, 30, was a shadow of himself in Bafana Bafana’s 2-0 win against Lesotho on 21 March, and four days later, in the 2-0 victory against Benin, he didn’t fare any better either.
Against Benin, Tau marked his 50th appearance in South Africa’s senior national team colours, but there was no fanfare, except the joy of winning the important FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. This stands table-topping Bafana Bafana in good stead as they have a five-point lead in Group C, with four matches remaining.
Fighting in Tau’s corner is Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos, who believes the former is far from being a spent force and reading between the lines, he’s urged the football-loving nation not to write him off.
“I’m happy with the work he did,” commented Broos, post-match against Benin. “He worked really hard for the team. Maybe he couldn’t quite do what we asked of him, but when a player works like that and tries to do what is expected, the coach can’t be unhappy.”
Tau, who now plies his trade in Asia for Qatar SC, has blocked the noise, and instead of entertaining the critics, he’s looking forward to more caps with Bafana Bafana.
“What an incredible journey it has been! From the first call-up to the 50th appearance (against Benin), it has been an absolute honour to wear Bafana Bafana colours. Thank you to my teammates, coaches, and most importantly, the fans who have supported me every step of the way. Here’s to many more,” wrote Tau, who hails from Witbank, Mpumalanga.
However, he’s certainly well aware that in football, or sport in general, you are as good as your last match, and with Bafana Bafana on course to qualify for the FIFA 2026 World Cup, keeping his place and being with the travelling party would be easier said than done.
PROFILE
(PERCY TAU)
Born: 13 May, 1994
Position: Striker
Club: Qatar SC
Caps: 50
Goals: 15 goals
National team debut: v Angola, CHAN Qualifier, 17 October 2015
Last game played: v Benin, FIFA World Cup Qualifier, 25 March, 2025.
