Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has come to the defense of Percy Tau, urging South African football fans to ease up on the harsh criticism and temper their expectations of the star player. Broos emphasized that the 30-year-old, who plays for Egyptian giants Al Ahly, should not be shouldering the burden of single-handedly determining match outcomes.
Tau has recently been under fire for his perceived lack of impact in Bafana Bafana’s matches. Broos, however, believes that the scrutiny Tau faces is unfair and that his contributions have been undervalued.
“We put too much pressure on Percy,” Broos told journalists. “I’ve said it before: you can’t expect him to win games on his own. He’s a very good player, no doubt, but the expectation that he will secure a win every game is unrealistic.”
Tau’s Role in Recent Matches
Bafana Bafana’s recent 1-1 draw against the Super Eagles of Nigeria placed them fourth in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. They now face Zimbabwe at the Free State Stadium on Tuesday, hoping to climb the table.
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Reflecting on Tau’s performances, Broos highlighted his valuable role during the recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where Bafana finished in third place. He urged fans not to place the entire responsibility for the team’s success on Tau’s shoulders.
“I was pleased with Tau’s performance against Nigeria,” Hugo Broos said. “We substituted him because he was exhausted. During AFCON, he did his job, but people expected him to be the one who always delivers a victory. That’s just not fair.”
Concerns Over Social Media Criticism and Tau’s Fitness
Broos also condemned the severe criticism Tau has received on social media, calling it “disgusting” and advocating for more understanding and support for the player during challenging times.
“It’s tough when you’re attacked on social media. It’s the worst thing because people say terrible things without considering the impact. I hope the support he feels from his teammates and the technical staff will be enough to keep him going,” Broos lamented.
Looking ahead to the match against Zimbabwe, Broos expressed concerns about Tau’s fitness. Tau remains a crucial player for Bafana Bafana, known for his speed, skill, and ability to create scoring opportunities. However, if he is not fit in time, Broos will have to consider other options, such as Oswin Appollis and Relebohile Mofokeng, to fill the gap.
The upcoming fixture against Zimbabwe is expected to be a crucial one, with both teams eager for a win that could significantly boost their chances of qualifying for the World Cup.
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