Bafana coach on Percy Tau: Criticism is ‘disgusting’

Bafana Bafana are set to head into action on Tuesday night in another all-important 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe, with Percy Tau expected to slot into the midfield.

Tau has continued to be a polarising figure for many Bafana fans, who have at times grown frustrated with his inability to live up to admittedly high expectations.

The playmaker endured a rather disappointing Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) campaign earlier this year, and came in for plenty of criticism. That was once again the case after a low-key performance recently in a qualifier against Nigeria, but Tau has continued to receive the backing of Broos.

“People expect too much from Percy. I was happy with his performance against Nigeria. 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,” said Broos. 

“The only thing that is important, and I hope he feels that, is he has all my confidence. That’s most important because it’s not easy when they kill you on social media.

“It’s the worst thing in the world to say what you want about somebody. This is disgusting sometimes. I hope that’s what he feels from the group and the technical staff and I hope it will be enough for Percy.

“I don’t understand what happens [with public opinion] with Percy Tau.”

Percy Tau will hope to prove a point when Bafana face Zimbabwe

The South African senior men’s team have had a bit of time to catch their breath in Bloemfontein after a taxing travelling schedule to and from Nigeria a few days ago

“I believe in my team, and I believe they can (perform). If we play the game the way we did on Friday (against Nigeria), taking travel into consideration, then I believe a win is possible against Zimbabwe,” said Broos

“The travel was tough, yes, but the game was going to go ahead anyway, so we kept our focus. We all did! It’s about the football at the end of the day,” he said

When Msimango was asked how he felt when the call-up came for him to join the team after Grant Kekana had to be withdrawn due to injury, he could not stop smiling. “I was on vacation with my wife, and we had to cut that short. I’m happy to be here, honoured to play and I will give it my best.”

QUALIFYING HAS CHANGED

Bafana Bafana and Zimbabwe have been drawn in Group C along with Nigeria, Rwanda, Lesotho and Benin.

The CAF qualification structure for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has changed from previous years. A record nine African teams will qualify for the 2026 World Cup – and a 10th is a possibility.

All 54 FIFA-affiliated football associations from CAF entered qualification. Teams were drawn into nine groups of six teams to play home-and-away round-robin matches.

The winner of each of the nine groups will qualify for the World Cup.

In addition, the four best-ranked group runners-up will participate in a playoff to determine which team will advance to the inter-confederation play-offs.