Pitso Mosimane leaps to Percy Tau defence amid Bafana Bafana criticism

Tau has been heavily criticised after missing a sitter during Bafana’s 1-1 draw with Nigeria in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Uyo last Friday. 

The condemnation follows from the 2023 African Cup of Nations in Côte D'Ivoire earlier this year, where Tau came under fire for his performances as the national team ended third in the tournament, but Mosimane feels the player doesn’t deserve such treatment.

"We need leaders, we need these kinds of players. When you support talent with the principles of life and success, you are bound to have a good product," said Mosimane.

"We can say things like, 'Okay, he missed a goal that he should have scored, and we could have won.' Yes, I saw it myself too, it's a fact. But I'm saying to you, is that all we see?

"I can flip it and say, okay, which player will have the medals that Percy has? Maybe in the next 10 years, nobody, hey? Two bronze [Club] World Cup medals, two Champions Leagues, won the league in Belgium, played in the UK, CAF [Inter-club] Player of the Year.

"Do you understand? How long will it take you to do that? Do you see the Club World Cup now – how many teams are there? When are you going to get a bronze medal?"

Tau’s role at Bafana has also been defended by coach Hugo Broos in recent times, but ‘Jingles’ says his major role in South African football over the years should not be overlooked.

"Also, he has really tried to accumulate some funds for the Tau family and generations to come, cousins, etc. Do you understand what I'm trying to say? 

"So we can look at the goal he missed, but if you look at the person holistically, and what he has contributed, not many have done that hey. It's not very easy to find a [South African player who will play in the Club World Cup," concluded Mosimane.

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