Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has come to the defense of Percy Tau who failed to meet the fans expectations in Uyo on Friday.
The Al Ahly attacker looked out of place in the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier, missing a sitter that could have probably won his side the Group C game against their hosts Nigeria. It explains why the winger has been criticized for his performance by a section of the fans.
Four months ago – in Ivory Coast during the Africa Cup of Nations, the Red Devil struggled to make a big impact despite the team finishing third.
However, the Belgian stood for the attacker, insisting he was impressed by his display.
Broos raves about players’ mentality under difficult conditions
Bafana spent about 30 en route to honour the game which negatively affected the players. The former Cameroon coach now believes it played part in the struggles for the second half.
“Look, again, like I said I am very happy with the performances of all the players; and also the performance of Percy,” Broos told the media.
“In the second half, physically it was difficult for him, certainly, but there were a few other players [too], but as I explained in the beginning, it was very tough for us [because] we traveled for the whole day Wednesday and then we had to play Friday against such a good team.
“So that performance was a character, we did it with the mentality and I think Percy Tau is part of it in the game.
“He had a good chance to score but that is football, there were chances on the other side for Nigeria also. So, the result is correct.”
Mvala & Ngezana combo not a guarantee against Zimbabwe – ‘Bafana have 23 players’
Mamelodi Sundowns defender Mothobi Mvala and FCSB’s Siyabonga Ngezana played together in a competitive game for the first time.
It was a baptism of fire against a tough Nigeria side; however, Broos was delighted with what he saw. However, the 72-year-old has not given guarantees that the two players will, once again, man Bafana’s central defense.
“I was happy with the performance of Ngezana and Mvala, it was their first time playing together,” Broos continued.
“It’s not easy playing for the first time together in a game like that and they did it well. The only thing I want to say [is that] we don’t play with XI, we play with 23 players.
“For me, every player is important, the most important thing is that when I need those guys who are on the bench, that they are ready and in the past it was like that. I’m confident all those players on the bench, if tomorrow I need them, they will do what I expect from them.
“I make choices and every time you have to wait and see if it’s a good choice, so last Friday it was a good choice with Siya and Mothobi. So we’ll see [what happens] in the future, but for me, the most important thing is to be able to count on those who are on the bench.
“When there’s three or four players who are not happy, disappointed, blah, blah, blah, then you have a big problem.”
South Africa have four points from three games and will be aiming at getting their second win in Group C on Tuesday in front of their fans.
