Snl24 | REVEALED: Broos shields unsettled Tau

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – JUNE 17: Hugo Broos and Percy Tau of South Africa during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Qualifier match between South Africa and Morocco at FNB Stadium on June 17, 2023 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has explained the reasons behind the surprise absence of attacker Percy Tau from the latest squad set to do duty in AFCON qualifiers.

Broos’ troops will play two crucial matches against Uganda and South Sudan in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers in September.

The final 23-man squad includes the likes of familiar faces such as Nyiko Mobbie, Themba Zwane, Sphephelo Sithole and Nkosinathi Sibisi as the Belgian tries to build continuity after the exploits of the previous tournament. 

Bafana returned with bronze from the showpiece held in Ivory Coast earlier this year. 

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There are, however, key absentees.

Most notably, Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams misses out due to injury.

Tau has also not been named in the squad after enduring an underwhelming season in Egypt by his high standards, where he is heavily linked with a move away from Al Ahly. 

Speaking on SABC Sport shortly after the squad announcement on Thursday, Broos explained that the attacker’s absence is a bid to protect him from recent waves of criticism.

“With Percy, it was not an easy decision for me not to select him,” said the 72-year-old.

“But there were two things that I took into account. First of all, Percy has been receiving a lot of criticism at the moment when he plays for Bafana Bafana. So, I try to protect and support him.

“The game against Algeria, he was not there. But then you saw that after the game against Nigeria, it was the same thing. 

“So, they [fans] don’t like him at the moment and expect too much from him.

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“I had contact with him, and we agreed that it was part of the game. Someone who would tell me it doesn’t affect him would be lying. [I told him:] ‘So, I know it affects you because you love your country and want to play.’

“Secondly, the situation at Al Ahly at the moment is not clear. There are a lot of rumours that he is going to leave, and he has a problem with the transfer fee and doesn’t play anymore,” added the gaffer. 

“Since the beginning of August, he has only played 17 minutes. So, the situation is not good, and I was a bit afraid that Percy was not ready at the moment. We need players who are ready, not only physically but mentally.”

Bafana’s match against Uganda will be played at Orlando Stadium next Friday.