Former Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane celebrates with Percy Tau back in the day. Photo: Twitter @AlAhlyEnglish

Broos suggests Percy Tau was ‘protected’ by Mosimane

Bafana boss Hugo Broos has suggested Percy Tau was fortunate to have the ‘protection’ of a favourable coach like Pitso Mosimane.

by Craig Lewis

17-11-2022 12:14

in Soccer

Former Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane celebrates with Percy Tau back in the day. Photo: Twitter @AlAhlyEnglish

Bafana coach Hugo Broos initially named a 30-member preliminary squad for the friendly international matches against Mozambique and Angola during November, while the group was then trimmed to 23 players last week. However, there is still no sign of Al Ahly’s Percy Tau, despite the highly-regarded playmaker having recently returned from injury.

LATEST: FOUR NEW PLAYERS LINKED TO KAIZER CHIEFS

Broos has once again spoken about his thinking when it comes to Tau, reiterating that the 28-year-old just hasn’t played enough football of late, while also making an interesting comment about his time playing under former Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane.

“I know him very well, I saw him playing one year in Belgium with Anderlecht and Brugge, I didn’t see him on the same level now. It’s not blaming Percy, but I do know he went from one injury to another last year in Al Ahly.

“I think he was very happy to have a coach like Pitso because he protected him,” added Broos. “I hope he gets his position in Al Ahly, or he moves in January.”

ALSO READ | BROOS MAKES KEY PLAYER CUTS TO LATEST BAFANA SQUAD

Earlier this month Broos also shared other thoughts on Tau, who has often not been in favour with the Bafana boss.

“I think a player like Percy fits into every plan of every coach. What happened to Percy last year [was unfortunate]. He went from one injury to another,” Broos explained on SABC Sport. “He didn’t play because of injuries against Ethiopia and France. He was injured, and now at the end of the season in June, he got injured again.

“I don’t think it’s a good plan to take Percy because he’s not 100%. Why call him? He has to be one of the most important players in our team. He’s not 100% now. He needs minutes.”

Broos’ charges face the Mozambicans at Mbombela Stadium, in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, on Thursday 17 November (kick off is at 8:30pm) and then tackle the Angolans three days later at the same venue on Sunday 20 November 2022.

The Belgian coach will use the two games against the neighbouring countries as part of his preparation for the resumption of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in March next year.

ALSO READ | GAVIN HUNT SHARES THOUGHTS ON PITSO AND BENNI’S NEW JOBS