Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has commented on the Percy Tau situation, urging fans to temper their expectations and cease the harsh criticism directed at the attacker. Broos expressed his dismay at the undue pressure placed on Tau’s shoulders, emphasising that the 30-year-old is not solely responsible for deciding the outcome of matches.
Tau, who plies his trade for Egyptian giants Al Ahly, has faced a barrage of criticism for his perceived lack of impact in recent matches. However, Broos believes that the player’s performances have been unfairly scrutinised and that he deserves more credit for his contributions.
Bafana Bafana played a 1-1 draw against the Super Eagles, a result that left them in fourth place in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. They host Zimbabwe at the Free State Stadium on Tuesday as they look to move up the table.
WHAT DISGUSTS HUGO BROOS ABOUT THE PERCY TAU SITUATION
“I think that everybody puts too much weight on the shoulders of Percy,” Broos told journalists. “I said it already, and maybe in the right way. You can’t make Percy a player who decides the game. He’s a very good player, there is no doubt about it. Everybody thinks Percy will give us the victory every game. That’s not that kind of performance.”
The Belgian mentor acknowledged Tau’s contributions during the AFCON, where Bafana secured a respectable third-place finish. However, he stressed that Tau should not be unfairly burdened with the expectation of single-handedly carrying the team to victory.
“I was happy with [Tau’s performance] in the game against Nigeria. We replaced him because he was exhausted. Also, in the performances at AFCON, he did his job, but it was not what everyone expected. [He was not] The guy who gives us the victory,” he explained.
The coach also condemned the vitriolic attacks Tau has faced on social media, labelling them as “disgusting.” He highlighted the need for fans to show more understanding and support for their players, especially during challenging times.
“It’s not so easy when they kill you on social media. It’s the worst thing in the world. You can tell what you want about somebody, but it’s disgusting sometimes. I hope what he feels from the group and the technical team will be enough,” Broos lamented.
PERCY TAU’S FITNESS IN QUESTION
Broos further expressed concerns over the fitness of Tau ahead of the upcoming fixture. Tau remains a pivotal figure in Bafana’s attack. His speed, skill and ability to create scoring opportunities have often proven crucial in decisive matches. However, if Tau cannot recover in time, Broos will be forced to explore alternative options for the forward position.
He has the likes of Oswin Appollis and Relebohile Mofokeng waiting on the wings should Tau be ruled out. The coach did not reveal the extent of Tau’s injury and whether he will be fit to play against Zimbabwe. The match against Zimbabwe promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams vying for a victory that would significantly boost their chances of qualification.
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