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Percy Tau discusses challenges with his role and team dynamics as he faces exclusion from the national team amid criticism.
South Africa and Al Ahly striker Percy Tau has recently addressed his exclusion from the national team expressing discontent and determination ahead of a pivotal club fixture against Gor Mahia in the CAF Champions League.
This response comes after Tau was notably left out of the Bafana Bafana squad for the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers by coach Hugo Broos a decision that has sparked considerable debate among fans and analysts alike.
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The decision by Broos is understood to be a protective measure against the backlash Tau faced after his performance at the last AFCON.
Tau, the reigning CAF Inter-club Player of the Year, had a challenging tournament, which included a missed penalty against Mali. This led to heavy criticism, despite his impressive season with Egyptian giants Al Ahly.
"I know I will work hard to push the coach to select me and for me to play. So ya, I will come back and I’ll play, the South Africans will be happy," Tau stated during an interview on the SNAWA as per KickOff.com.
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He also expressed his frustration about being played out of his preferred position, which he believes contributed to his underwhelming performance.
"But sometimes they (South Africans) also have to understand that when I had to play left winger (at the AFCON), I wish they would understand that Percy is not a good left winger," he added.
Tau’s struggles on the field have been compounded by his deployment in unfamiliar roles, particularly on the left wing, a position he has repeatedly voiced discomfort with.
His candid reflections reveal ongoing discussions with past and present coaches about his best position on the field.
"Even with the national team, the last time I played left wing, it was in the AFCON against Namibia. After that game, I sat down with coach Stuart [Baxter] and he said 'nope, this is not what I want from you so how about you go on the other side or as a ten’ and I’d be happy with that," Tau explained.
Looking forward to his upcoming CAF Champions League match with Al Ahly against Gor Mahia, Tau is focused on contributing positively, regardless of the position he is played in.
The two-legged tie in September will determine who advances to the Group Stage, and Tau is ready to make an impact and help his team succeed.
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07:09 - 02.09.2024
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The Al Ahly star also reflected on his personal sacrifices for team success.
"At the AFCON, I felt we could do something special and if I needed to maybe play an uncomfortable position I played it. But I had support. Even the guys were asking me, ‘Hey Percy what’s happening?’ and I told them that I’m struggling on that left side but we had no one else," he shared.
Despite the criticisms and challenges, Tau remains a key figure for both his club and potentially again for his national team.
"Mshishi (Themba Zwane) used to ask me a lot and I was like 'Shika, on the left my brother,' but I said guys if we can win this thing (AFCON) I will be happy and I will sacrifice myself. It’s not always about me to shine. But yea, left has never been my left position."
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