Tau Sundowns Al Ahly

Percy Tau of Al Ahly challenged by Mothobi Mvala of Sundowns. Photo: Gavin Barker/BackpagePix

Sundowns coach: Percy Tau knows what I think of him!

Coach Rhulani Mokwena has ‘reserved comment’ on links between Sundowns and Percy Tau, but it’s clear the pair have a special bond.

Tau Sundowns Al Ahly

Percy Tau of Al Ahly challenged by Mothobi Mvala of Sundowns. Photo: Gavin Barker/BackpagePix

Sundowns clinched a resounding 5-2 win in the Caf Champions League Group B clash against Al Ahly at Loftus on Saturday. Of course, there was big focus on the ‘homecoming’ of Percy Tau, who made a name for himself during an illustrious career at Sundowns, and he certainly produced a solid outing – which included a well-taken goal.

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It also can’t be forgotten that Tau continues to be linked to Sundowns, with some rumours even suggesting he may be heading to Chloorkop in the near future.

Yet, Mokwena is clearly keeping his cards close to his chest when it comes to these “whispers”.

“I said it before the game and I will say it again, I reserve comment on Percy Tau,” he said after Saturday’s game. “He knows exactly what I think. Before the end of the game I whispered it [to him] and after the game he waited in the tunnel.

“He is an incredible human being. When he is in South Africa he comes to my house and the first thing he does is to take his hat off. I am talking about a Bafana international who has played Uefa Champions League and in the English Premier League. The first sign is respect and good football players have that thing of being good humans. 

“But I don’t want to speak too much about Percy because he is not a Sundowns player and I am very biased. I focus on my players and I am very grateful for the opportunity and blessing to be their coach. Every single one of them have this honesty about them.”

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According to a report from FAR Post at the beginning of this year, Sundowns were apparently already considering a reignited interest in Tau, who famously played for the club between 2013 and 2018.

During his time with Sundowns, Tau won the league title twice and the CAF Champions League once, and was named Footballer of the Year and joint-top-goalscorer in his final season with the club.

Tau has since settled back down with Al Ahly and returned to some decent form, which came after there was even talk that Sundowns were even considering submitting a proposal for the 28-year-old, who is contracted until 2024.

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Masandawana impressed in Group B of the CAF Champions League

Sundowns went unbeaten during the group stages. Photo: SuperSport