Soccer
Broos continues to bat for under fire Tau─── MORGAN PIEK 13:22 Tue, 11 Jun 2024
“He is a very good player and there is no doubt about it. But everybody thinks that Percy will give us the victory in every game - he is not that kind of player - I want us not to expect too much from him.”
The Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos, has come out in defence of the Al Ahly striker, Percy Tau, ahead of Tuesday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe in Bloemfontein.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Brighton & Hove Albion marksman has been under-fire since the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, and he was once again criticised following South Africa’s 1-1 draw against Nigeria on Friday in Uyo.
For Tuesday’s match in the City of Roses, Tau, is South Africa’s only injury concern, but it is such a nature that the national team has not lost any sleep over it.
“Somebody told me that people are not so happy with the performance of Percy against Nigeria,” said Broos.
“There was a lot of criticism for his performance at the AFCON - I think that everybody puts too much weight on the shoulders of Percy.
“I said it before, maybe not in the right way, but you can't make Percy a player who decides the game.
“He is a very good player and there is no doubt about it. But everybody thinks that Percy will give us the victory in every game - he is not that kind of player - I want us not to expect too much from him.
“People expect too much from Percy. I was happy with his performance against Nigeria and also at the AFCON. He did his job, but he was not what everybody expected, the guy who is going to give us the victory.”
Broos added that when it comes to Tau, it’s important for him to realise that they have full faith in him and his ability and they will continue to back him.
“The only thing that is important, and I hope he feels that, is that from our side, he has all our confidence,” the Belgium tactician added.
“That is the most important thing - it is not easy when they kill you on social media. It's the worst thing in the world. You can say whatever you want about somebody. It is disgusting sometimes. I hope that what he feels from the group and the technical team is support.”
Tuesday night’s big back between South Africa and the Warriors at the Toyota Stadium will kick-off at 18:00.
Morgan Piek OFM Sport
