Qatar SC confirm Percy Tau exit

Percy Tau at training

Qatar SC have announced the departure of Bafana Bafana forward Percy Tau following the conclusion of the Qatar Stars League season.

The move sees the Bafana Bafana international leave the club after a short-term stint that began in January.

Tau joined Qatar SC mid-season from Egyptian giants Al Ahly and played a role in helping the club avoid relegation from the top-flight.

During his stint in Doha, Tau featured in nine Qatar Stars League matches. He provided four assists but failed to find the back of the net in a what was a challenging season for the eight-time league champions, as they finished a disappointing 10th in the league, just one spot above the relegation zone.

The 31-year-old attacker is one of six players to exit Qatar SC on Thursday as the club reshuffles its squad. Other departures include Javier Martinez, Ben Malango, Badr Benoun, Ahmed Abdel El-Kader, and Carlinhos Vinicius, as well as head coach Mehdi Natfi.

BAFANA STAR PERCY TAU LEAVES QATAR SC

Percy Tau leaves Qatar SC
Percy Tau. Picture: Qatar SC

“Thank you, Percy Tau. Wishing you success in the coming period,” reads the club statement.

Tau is now a free agent and will be aiming to secure his next move ahead of the 2025/26 season. Before his recent stint in Qatar, the Bafana Bafana forward was reportedly linked with a return to the Betway Premiership, with both Kaizer Chiefs and his former club Mamelodi Sundowns mentioned as potential destinations, though nothing materialised.

As one of South Africa’s most decorated players in recent years, Tau is unlikely to be short of options. He was also recently linked with a sensational return to the Egyptian capital, this time to join Al Ahly’s arch-rivals, Zamalek. However, reports suggested that his salary demands were a stumbling block in those negotiations.

Tau, who is the first South African to be crowned the 2023 CAF Interclub Player of the Year, also played his football in Europe. His overseas journey included a spell in the English Premier League with Brighton & Hove Albion, as well as stints at several Belgian clubs, namely Club Brugge, RSC Anderlecht, and Union SG. It was during his time at Club Brugge that he had the opportunity to feature in the prestigious UEFA Champions League.

Across his professional career, Tau has made over 300 appearances, contributing significantly with 75 goals and 68 assists. His trophy cabinet is also well-adorned, including the highly coveted CAF Champions League title, among many other accolades.

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