CAPE TOWN – Percy Tau finished his time at Mamelodi Sundowns in style: joint PSL top scorer, and the Player of the Season.
But the 24-year-old from Witbank has a lot to be thankful for when it comes to Masandawana after completing his transfer to Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion on Friday.
It would’ve been tough at the time, but after not getting regular action for the Sundowns first team in 2015 – having come through the Sundowns academy – it was decided that he needed to take a step back and move to home-town NFD outfit Witbank Spurs.
Tau rediscovered his spark, was changed from a winger to a striker, and the rest is history. He was so good for Spurs that his loan spell was cut short in 2016 when Pitso Mosimane was short of players for the Champions League.
The impact was immediate, and Tau played both legs of the final against Zamalek that saw Sundowns crowned African kings.
“I would like to thank the Mamelodi Sundowns family, the President, the Board, management, staff, supporters and the players for the incredible memories and experiences which we shared throughout my time at Sundowns. Thank you! Ka Bo Yellow!” Tau said on the Sundowns website on Friday.
Brighton manager Chris Hughton has said that Tau will go on loan to another club and be monitored, and the Bafana Bafana forward is keen to take the next step in his career.
“A loan is always good. It helps a player to get there and grow, because it’s new for me to be in Europe,” Tau told the Brighton website after signing a four-year deal with the Seagulls.
“And I will also get to work on myself, and improve on things that I think I need for a longer run. Also to make new memories – I love making memories.
🎥 The new man @percymuzitau22 discusses his move to Albion - the full interview is now on #SeagullsTV! 🇿🇦 #BHAFC🔵⚪️
— Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽️ (@OfficialBHAFC) July 20, 2018
“Last season was great (at Sundowns). I got a few personal achievements, but we won the league as well, which is something that means so much to me.
“I’m happy to have gone down that path, but it’s over now and it’s time to make new memories.
“This move should help me play more international football. I’ll be learning a lot, which will also be good for my country.”
@ashfakmohamed