Comment by Mihlali Baleka
Percy Tau is not a young boy anymore. As such, his move to Qatar SC could very well revive his career before he decides to return home and hang up his boots.
The 30-year-old forward endured frustration at Al Ahly in the last few months, as he was in and out of coach Marcel Koller’s team due to form and injuries.
Be that as it may, the eMalahleni-born winger still felt some love from the Red Devils’ fans. Hence, he decided to send them a heartfelt letter of gratitude yesterday.
“Each victory was made sweeter by your unwavering support, and by seeing your smiles all over your faces,” the statement read.
“Your cheers, your passion and love have been the driving force behind my every moment on the pitch.
شكرًا أهلي ♥️
شكرًا مصر ♥️ pic.twitter.com/5nhkU0Yvi9
“Leaving is not easy, but I carry with me memories of joy, triumph and unity for representing the Club of the Century with this generation of great players.”
Tau was not only part of a great squad in Egypt, but he was a fantastic player for the club, especially given that he won 12 trophies with Al Ahly.
Having also been crowned CAF’s best Interclub Player in 2023, it must have been disappointing for ‘the Lion of Judah’ to go from that accolade to just being another player in the team.
His performances for Bafana Bafana had also left a lot to be desired, resulting in coach Hugo Broos coming to his defence, before he eventually dropped him.
But you see, Tau is not a bad player. He can’t be overnight. He has multiple individual accolades to show for his talent since turning professional at Mamelodi Sundowns.
However, just like any other player, his form dipped. But out at an unpopular, less followed and pressured Qatar Stars League, he has a chance to prove his worth.
Excited to start this new chapter in the story with Qatar SC!
🟡⚫️@QatarSportClub pic.twitter.com/zsSaxJer3G
He needs to grab his opportunity with both hands and show the masses how a move away from the spotlight could do one a world of good.
Of course, he might miss out on the opportunity to go to the extended Club World Cup in the US in winter, but after playing in four and finishing third in three with Al Ahly, he’s experienced the highest levels of club world football.
The less pressure that comes with playing for Qatar could see him become the best player in the league, something that could lead to more South Africans joining him in the Middle East.
بـيرسي تـاو قطـراوي 💛🖤👑#الملك_القطراوي pic.twitter.com/3XArmn8aEK
While Qatar doesn’t attract as much attention like the Saudi Arabia league does nowadays, it still has some world-class players who’ve featured at the highest level.
Former Italy midfielder Marco Verratti and Spain international Joselu are plying their trade in the league after successful stints abroad.
So, Tau is in the midst of good players. And having moved abroad before – playing for Club Brugge in Belgium and Brighton and Hove Albion – he shouldn’t struggle to adapt.
His seamless adaptation could also revive his international career, especially given the fact that Bafana qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco later this year.
📸 - The final training session before deporting to Dubai to face Al-Nasr SC in the #UAE_Qatar_SuperCup ⚫️🟡🏆 pic.twitter.com/lisO7NnQIX
— Qatar SC | نادي قطر الرياضي (@QatarSportClub) January 14, 2025
Bafana will head to the continental showpiece not as underdogs, but favourites, given their unbeaten qualifying campaign and third-place finish in the finals in Ivory Coast early last year.
So, Tau must step up and show his worth in Qatar, remembering that there’s still a lot at stake regarding his career. | Independent Media Sport