Is it the end of Tau at Bafana Bafana? Broos explains attacker’s absence in World Cup qualifier win over Zimbabwe

Published on by Willis Sob

For several years, Percy Tau has been a key player for Bafana Bafana regardless of the position he plays. However, he was not at his best in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations despite South Africa reaching the semi-final and eventually securing bronze after beating the Democratic Republic of Congo in the third-place play-off.

On Friday, June 7, the Al Ahly winger started against Nigeria in Group C of the Fifa World Cup qualifier played in Uyo. The 30-year-old struggled to make an impression in Uyo, and went on to miss a crucial chance that could have won the game for the Hugo Broos-led team.

The fans were not happy with Tau's performance; the majority felt he was done for the national team despite the many medals he had won at the club level. His former coach Pitso Mosimane stood with Tau, while Broos insisted it is football and sometimes players struggle to deliver.

Percy Tau

Did Broos succumb to pressure? Why was Tau benched against Zimbabwe?

Against the Warriors of Zimbabwe, on Tuesday at the Free State Toyota Stadium, Tau was named on the bench. The majority of fans and stakeholders expected the attacker to be introduced later in the game, but that was not the case.

What happened? “Percy is injured, he was injured after the Nigeria game,” Broos responded when asked about the player.

“We thought he would be ready [on Tuesday], but the treatment he’s received in the last three days hasn’t helped so much. We went to the hospital, and they did a scan. He has a muscular injury, and couldn’t play.

“He wanted to be on the bench and he supported the guys on the pitch. He’s even happier than anyone else.”

The Belgian might be protecting the attacker, hoping to see a better Tau in the forthcoming matches.

Thapelo Morena South Africa

Has Tau lost his place? 

In the absence of Tau, Oswin Appollis and substitute Thapelo Morena did a great job on the wing.

The latter scored a brace after coming on, and was a threat throughout the second half, giving the Zimbabwe defense something to think about.

It is interesting to see whether Tau will be restored to the starting team ahead of the aforementioned duo in forthcoming international assignments.

Is it the end of Tau at Bafana Bafana? Broos explains attacker’s absence in World Cup qualifier win over Zimbabwe

Willis Sob

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.