Percy Tau is a South African professional footballer who has made a name for himself both in his home country and abroad. Born on May 13, 1994, Tau began his footballing career with Premier Soccer League side Mamelodi Sundowns where he made 100 appearances either side of a loan to Witbank Spurs. He currently plays as a forward for Egyptian Premier League club Al Ahly and the South Africa national team.
Tau’s journey to becoming a professional footballer began at a young age. Growing up in Witbank, Mpumalanga, he played football with his friends and family members whenever he could. His talent quickly became apparent, and he was soon scouted by local teams. He eventually joined Mamelodi Sundowns’ youth academy, where he honed his skills and developed his playing style.
Over the years, Tau has become known for his speed, agility, and technical ability on the ball. He is a versatile player who can play in a variety of positions, including as a striker, winger, or attacking midfielder. His performances on the pitch have earned him numerous accolades, including the Premier Soccer League Player of the Season award in 2017/18.
Key Takeaways
- Percy Tau is a South African professional footballer who currently plays as a forward for Egyptian Premier League club Al Ahly and the South Africa national team.
- Tau began his footballing career with Premier Soccer League side Mamelodi Sundowns and has become known for his speed, agility, and technical ability on the ball.
- His performances on the pitch have earned him numerous accolades, including the Premier Soccer League Player of the Season award in 2017/18.
Early Life and Background
Birth and Family
Percy Tau was born on May 13, 1994, in Witbank, South Africa. He grew up in a large family of eight siblings and was raised by his single mother, Elizabeth Tau. Despite the challenges of growing up in a large family with limited resources, Percy’s mother was supportive of his football ambitions from an early age.
Early Football Influences
Percy’s love for football started at a young age, and he played his first organized game at the age of six. As a child, Percy was inspired by his uncle, who played football at a local club in Witbank. Percy’s uncle would often take him to watch his games, and this inspired Percy to become a footballer himself.
Education and Youth Career
Percy attended his early education at a local school in Witbank. He was a talented student and excelled in his studies. However, his passion for football was always at the forefront of his mind, and he joined the youth academy of Mamelodi Sundowns, a Premier Soccer League (PSL) club, in 2013. Percy made his first-team debut for Sundowns in 2014 and went on to make 100 appearances for the club either side of a loan to Witbank Spurs.
Club Career
Mamelodi Sundowns
Percy Tau began his professional career with Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa. He made his debut for the club in 2014 and quickly established himself as a key player. Tau helped Sundowns win the South African Premier Soccer League title in 2016 and 2018. He also played a crucial role in the team’s run to the quarter-finals of the CAF Champions League in 2018.
Move to Europe
In July 2018, Percy Tau signed for English Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion. However, he was immediately loaned out to Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise for the 2018-19 season. Tau had an impressive season with Union, scoring 13 goals and providing 13 assists in 35 appearances.
Brighton & Hove Albion
Percy Tau returned to Brighton & Hove Albion for the 2019-20 season, but he was once again loaned out, this time to Belgian club Club Brugge. Tau had a successful season with Brugge, helping them win the Belgian Pro League title and reach the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League. He scored four goals and provided seven assists in 30 appearances for the club.
Loan Spells
In October 2020, Percy Tau was loaned out to Belgian club Anderlecht for the 2020-21 season. He made a strong start to his time at Anderlecht, scoring two goals on his debut. Tau returned to Brighton & Hove Albion at the end of the season, but he was once again loaned out to a new club. This time, he joined Egyptian club Al Ahly on a season-long loan for the 2021-22 season.
Tau’s club career has seen him play for several clubs in South Africa and Europe, with loan spells in Belgium and Egypt. He has had success at every club he has played for, winning multiple league titles and making a significant impact on the pitch.
International Career
South African National Team Debut
Percy Tau made his debut for the South African national team on October 17, 2015, in a 0-2 loss to Angola in a 2016 African Nations Championship qualification match [1]. Since then, he has become a regular member of the team, earning 31 caps and scoring 12 goals as of June 2024.
African Cup of Nations
Tau played a significant role in South Africa’s qualification for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations, scoring four goals in six appearances during the qualifying campaign [1]. He also featured prominently in the tournament itself, helping his team reach the quarter-finals before they were knocked out by Egypt in a penalty shootout [1].
World Cup Qualifiers
Tau played a crucial role in South Africa’s 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, scoring three goals and providing two assists in six appearances [2]. His performances helped the team finish second in their group, securing their place in the inter-confederation play-offs.
In summary, Percy Tau has established himself as a key player for the South African national team, contributing significantly to their qualification for major tournaments and helping them compete at the highest level.
Also, check: Why Al Ahly’s Percy Tau is Attracting Interest from Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns
References
Playing Style and Position
Positional Versatility
Percy Tau is a versatile forward who can play in multiple positions. He can play as a striker, a winger, or an attacking midfielder. Tau’s positional versatility allows him to adapt to different formations and tactics, making him a valuable asset to any team.
Skills and Abilities
Tau is known for his pace, dribbling skills, and ability to create scoring opportunities. He is a clinical finisher who can score goals from different angles and distances. Tau’s agility and quick feet make him a difficult player to mark, and his vision and passing ability allow him to create chances for his teammates.
Tau’s defensive work rate is also noteworthy. He is not afraid to track back and help his team in defense. Tau’s ability to press and win the ball high up the pitch is a valuable asset in modern football.
Overall, Tau’s playing style and position versatility make him a valuable player for any team. His pace, dribbling skills, and clinical finishing ability make him a threat in the final third, while his work rate and defensive ability make him a well-rounded player.
Achievements and Awards
Club Honours
Percy Tau has had a successful club career, winning several honours with his teams. He won the South African Premier Soccer League title with Mamelodi Sundowns in the 2015-2016, 2017-2018, and 2018-2019 seasons. In the 2016-2017 season, he helped the team win the CAF Champions League. He also won the CAF Super Cup with the team in 2017.
Tau joined Club Brugge in 2019, where he won the Belgian First Division A title in the 2019-2020 season. He also helped the team reach the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League for the first time in 15 years.
In 2021, Tau signed with Egyptian Premier League club Al Ahly. He helped the team win the Egyptian Premier League title in the 2020-2021 season.
Individual Accolades
Percy Tau’s performances on the pitch have earned him several individual accolades throughout his career. In the 2017-2018 season, he was named the South African Footballer of the Year. He also won the Premier Soccer League Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season awards in the same season.
Tau was named the Belgian Pro League Player of the Year for the 2019-2020 season. He was also named the Club Brugge Player of the Season in the same season.
In addition, Tau has been named in the South African Premier Soccer League Team of the Season on multiple occasions. He has also been named in the CAF Champions League Team of the Tournament.
Off the Pitch
Philanthropy and Community Work
Percy Tau is known for his philanthropic work and has been involved in various community projects over the years. He has used his platform as a successful footballer to give back to his community and help those in need. In 2020, he made a donation of R50,000 to the COVID-19 Solidarity Fund in South Africa to help those affected by the pandemic.
Tau has also been involved in various initiatives aimed at empowering young people through education and sports. He has partnered with organizations such as the Percy Tau Foundation and the Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club to provide scholarships and training opportunities for young people in South Africa.
Personal Interests
Off the pitch, Percy Tau enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He is an avid reader and enjoys learning about different cultures and traditions. He is also a fan of music and enjoys listening to a variety of genres.
Tau has been known to enjoy playing video games in his free time, and has even participated in gaming tournaments. He is also interested in fashion and has been seen wearing stylish outfits both on and off the pitch.
Media and Public Image
Percy Tau has been a prominent figure in the South African football scene for several years, and has garnered significant media attention both domestically and internationally. He has been featured in numerous news articles, interviews, and television programs, and has become a well-known public figure in his home country.
Tau’s success on the field has also earned him a positive public image, with many fans and supporters praising his skill, dedication, and sportsmanship. He has been recognized for his contributions to the sport through several awards and honors, including being named the South African Footballer of the Year in 2017 and 2018.
Despite his success, Tau has also faced some criticism and controversy throughout his career. In 2018, he was embroiled in a dispute with his former club Mamelodi Sundowns over his transfer to English Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion. The dispute centered around the transfer fee and payment structure, and ultimately resulted in Tau being loaned out to Belgian club Union SG for the 2018-2019 season.
Tau’s move to Europe has also been a source of controversy, with some critics questioning his ability to compete at the highest level of international football. However, he has continued to prove his talent on the field, and has become a valuable asset to both his club and national teams.
Overall, Percy Tau’s media and public image has been shaped by his success on the field, as well as his personal conduct and character. While he has faced some challenges and criticism throughout his career, he has remained a respected and admired figure in the world of football.
Future Prospects and Legacy
As of 2024, Percy Tau is 30 years old and still playing at a high level for El Ahly Cairo and the South Africa national team. He has already achieved a lot in his career, including winning three CAF Champions League titles, and there is no doubt that he will continue to be a key player for both club and country in the coming years.
Looking ahead, there are a few areas where Tau could potentially improve his game. One of these is his goal-scoring record, which is good but not exceptional. If he can become more clinical in front of goal, he could become one of the top scorers in African football.
Another area where Tau could make an impact is off the pitch. He is already a role model for young footballers in South Africa, and he could use his platform to inspire the next generation of players. He could also use his influence to promote social causes and help make a positive difference in his community.
In terms of his legacy, Tau has already achieved a lot in his career. He will be remembered as one of the best South African footballers of his generation, and his achievements in the CAF Champions League will go down in history. If he can continue to perform at a high level and inspire others, he could leave a lasting impact on African football for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Percy Tau’s current salary?
As of June 2024, Percy Tau’s current salary is not publicly available.
Who is Percy Tau married to?
There is no publicly available information about Percy Tau’s marital status.
For which clubs has Percy Tau played throughout his career?
Percy Tau began his professional footballing career with Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa’s Premier Soccer League. He later went on loan to Witbank Spurs before returning to Mamelodi Sundowns. In 2018, he signed with Brighton & Hove Albion in the English Premier League, but was loaned out to Union Saint-Gilloise, Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, and RSC Anderlecht in Belgium. In 2021, he signed with Al Ahly in the Egyptian Premier League.
What is the birthplace of Percy Tau?
Percy Tau was born on May 13, 1994, in Witbank, Mpumalanga, South Africa.
What are the latest developments in Percy Tau’s transfer news?
As of June 2024, there are no publicly available updates on Percy Tau’s transfer news.
How old is Percy Tau?
As of June 2024, Percy Tau is 30 years old.