Striker in good frame of mind to help SA defeat Teranga Lions
One of the things you hear about all the time in sports is that you are as good as your last game and Bafana’s Bafana forward Percy Tau knows that very well.
As he prepares to face Senegal on Friday at Peter Mokaba Stadium (7pm), Tau is remaining grounded after his man-of -the-match performance in the 3-1 win over Burkina Faso at FNB Stadium last month to ensure he’s in a good frame of mind to deliver another good account of himself. What’s more?
The 23-year-old has been picked in the 30-man list for the 2017 African Player of the Year award, which is CAF’s main individual award.
That list features top names like Manchester United and Ivory Coast defender Eric Bailly and Senegal’s Sadio Mane, who will look to torment Bafana on Friday.
Tau, too, will be eager to continue his form to prove to the continent that he’s indeed a rising star.
The Sundowns’ man reflected on his nomination and shared some thoughts with Sowetan yesterday.
“It’s proud moment ... it’s a great honour to be short-listed on the two awards. I’m in a space where I appreciate a lot of things. I’m still grounded, still working hard and I’m in a space where I see progress.
“I’m in a space where I see my name with the big players,” said Tau, who has also been nominated for the African Player of the Year (based in Africa) accolade.
“It is a good reflection on my team (Sundowns) and the country in terms of what we are trying to do in Africa.”
Tau is the only South African to get the nod for the main award, while there are players like his national team mate Dean Furman of SuperSport United, for those based in Africa, as well as Dennis League winners’ medal from last year when Sundowns saw off Egyptian side Zamalek in the final.
“It (the Senegal game) is a crucial tie and a game that could determine our spot in the World Cup,” Tau added.
He may not be putting it in his own words, but he’s definitely one of the players the nation is pinning its hopes in what has been dubbed mission impossible by some people.
‘‘ I think I’ve played tough games before