Bafana Bafana forward Percy Tau’s career is in limbo as speculation regarding his potential exit at Al Ahly continues.
Following reports that Tau has had his contract terminated at the Red Devils, the Siya crew have clarified the Bafana striker’s situation in the latest issue of Soccer Laduma, edition 1290.
Roadblock Revealed In Tau’s Mooted Al Ahly Exit
According to insiders close to the former Mamelodi Sundowns attacker and within the club, the Egyptian giants are yet to sever ties with the ‘Lion of Judah’.
One of the main reasons, according to Siya sources, is that Al Ahly are looking to recoup a major part of the transfer fee they paid to Brighton and Hove Albion, believed to be in a region of R30 million.
Tau signed a three-year deal with an option to renew for a further season after he joined from the Seagulls a year ago.
I’m the latest issue of Soccer Laduma it was reported that Tau is likely to be put on a transfer list.
Although there have been enquiries about the 28-year old from Belgian clubs, as per information reaching the Siya crew’s desk, there are still reports in the local media linking Tau with a return to the PSL.
Pirates coach Jose Riveiro was asked about speculation linking Tau with the Buccaneers and the Spanish mentor dismissed those rumours.
“It’s not the first time you ask me about the goal-scoring situation and I’m not gonna change my answer,” Riveiro told journalists in a pre-match press conference ahead of their game against TS Galaxy.
“One more time my focus is about the players we have in the squad, we have a lot of talent, different profiles and possibilities.
“I don’t even know the player you mentioned before, it’s not where my focus is, my focus is on TS Galaxy, our players and it’s not gonna change,” he said.
Soccer Laduma assesses which team would likely suit the Bafana Bafana striker should he return to the country.
Mamelodi Sundowns
Tau’s former club Sundowns prefer to play mostly with ball-playing attackers, who are good in finding space and combining with midfielders in the pockets.
Although the Red Devils attacker would suit their style of play, as he has played at the club before, the signing of players such as Marcelo Allende and Abubaker Nasir could limit his playing chances.
Orlando Pirates
In so far as styles are concerned, Pirates’ system relies on stretching the field wide to find the gaps in the centre, with wing-backs playing a major role.
And as such, the Buccaneers’ game model suits strikers who are runners, rather than receivers of the ball to feet, however, after his spell in Europe, Tau may have to adjust.
Kaizer Chiefs
Chiefs head coach Arthur Zwane has stuck to his system of playing with a flexible front three, where attackers are given freedom to interchange positions.
Zwane’s game model is similar to how Liverpool usually setup their stall, where talisman, left-footed Mohamed Salah looks to cut-in from the right.
Without exaggerating, Tau has similar characteristics to Salah and could fit into ‘Zwane Ball’.