Overseas beckons? Mabunda sees Tau-like path for Sundowns rising talent
Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Tiyani Mabunda believes a rising star at the club has the potential to emulate Percy Tau’s trajectory, suggesting an overseas move could be on the horizon.
Tau’s rise to prominence at Sundowns began in the 2013/14 season, following his promotion from the reserve side in the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC). His journey, which started in Sundowns’ youth system, included a loan spell at Witbank Spurs in the second-tier league before breaking into the first team.
During his time with the Tshwane giants, Tau, known as the ‘Lion of Judah’, enjoyed a successful period, scoring 24 goals and providing 27 assists in 103 appearances across all competitions. His contributions were instrumental in Mamelodi Sundowns winning two league titles, the CAF Champions League and the CAF Super Cup.
Tau’s impressive performances earned him a move to English Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion in the 2018/19 season. However, he subsequently spent three seasons on loan in Belgium, playing for Royal Union Saint-Gilloise, Club Brugge, and RSC Anderlecht.
The Bafana Bafana international returned to Brighton & Hove Albion in 2020/21. He later joined Al Ahly and has recently joined Qatar SC.
MALIBONGWE KHOZA SHOULD MOVE ABROAD LIKE PERCY TAU IF A CHANCE COMES UP
The retired midfielder, Mabunda, now an ambassador at Sundowns believes that it would be wise for Khoza to emulate Tau’s path to have a successful football career.
The duo share a common background as products of the Sundowns Academy. Furthermore, Tau became a regular in the first team, while Khoza is gradually establishing himself within the first team.
In his debut professional season, the talented young defender has made 18 appearances in all competitions and found the back of the net two times.
“If he continues what he’s been doing, he can get an opportunity to go overseas, like what Percy Tau did,” Mabunda told FARPost. “He came from the academy like Percy; I think he has got the capability and quality if a chance comes up for him.
“We just pray and hope he remains grounded as he is and make sure he maximises the talent he has so in the near future, we see him in the national team and play for Bafana Bafana.”
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