One of South African football’s biggest uncertainties right now is Percy Tau’s future. The Lion of Judah, who was once heralded as South African football’s greatest hope, is now 28 years old and his career is in limbo. This according to IOL.
The former Sundowns star was recently linked with a move to Saudi club Al-Taawoun, but it’s thought that deal fell through.
Tau has primarily experienced terrible fortune. He has the ability to succeed; he was just in the wrong location at the wrong moment. He probably would have had a completely different career trajectory if he had been playing with players like Steven Pienaar, Lucas Radebe, and Benni McCarthy 20 years ago.
2018 saw Tau secure a transfer from Sundowns to Brighton and Hove Albion in England. However, because of Bafana’s dismal standing, he had to spend some time on loan in Europe before being permitted to represent the Seagulls. He almost probably would have been playing for Brighton much earlier if Bafana Bafana had been ranked higher.
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Tau was hired by Chris Hughton, a former Brighton manager. Before receiving a shot from the Seagulls in 2021, he spent time on loan in Europe with teams like Union SG, Club Brugge, and Anderlecht, prospering at all three clubs.
However, it should be noted that Graham Potter, Hughton’s replacement, only gave Tau three chances. He was not a Potter signing, which is probably why the current Chelsea manager let him leave so that he could sign with Al Ahly in 2021.
Tau reconnected with Pitso Mosimane, with whom he had previously worked at Sundowns, when he joined Al Ahly. He initially displayed a lot of promise in Egypt, but this diminished as Mosimane lost the board’s confidence.
Tau is currently in a precarious situation. He has experienced horrible fortune. He may not live up to his full potential, but going back to the South African top division may be the smart move for him to resurrect his career since he might have trouble getting offers from reputable European clubs.