Broos gives TWO reasons why Percy Tau failed to make the cut

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has explained why he omitted striker Percy Tau in his squad.

The 72-year-old named his 23-man squad to play Uganda and South Sudan in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Tau has had a tough season with Al Ahly and also struggled to find his form in the national team.

In the past nine months, the star has received criticism from fans. Broos admitted leaving Percy Tau was a tough decision but explained two reasons the striker was left out.

“Percy Tau…It was not an easy decision for me to not select him but there were two things I took into account. First of all, Percy receives a lot of criticism at the moment when he plays for Bafana Bafana so I try to protect him and support him,” Broos told SABC Sport.

Broos on Percy Tau’s form at Al Ahly

“For the game against Algeria, he wasn’t there but then you saw the game against Nigeria again it was the same thing. So they don’t like him for the moment and they expect too much from him.”

Since Broos took over, Percy Tau has been one of his trusted players. Since this year’s Africa Cup of Nations, the 30-year-old has never been the same, failing to find the net in seven previous matches.

“Secondly, his situation at Al Ahly at the moment is not clear. There are rumours that he is going to leave, and that there is a problem with the transfer fee, since the beginning of August, he only played 17 minutes. The situation is not great and I was a bit afraid with all that…Percy at the moment is not ready.”

With Pery Tau failing to make the team, Broos has decided to go with Iqraam Rayners and Lyle Foster upfront.

“We need the players that are ready, not only physically but mentally,” said the Bafana coach.

Will Tau rediscover his form?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or emailing info@thesouthafrican.com. You can also send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for your social fix.