Phakaaathi.co.za Percy will not settle for being second best
Perhaps the most difficult thing a coach can ask from a skilful player is to limit his dribbling and focus more on putting the ball in the net. It is, however, a reasonable request from a coach because, as we know, it is only the scoreline that matters at the end of a match, not the amount of tricks a player has displayed, however much that may wow the supporters at the stadium.
Not so long ago, Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane asked Percy Tau to score more goals and dribble less.
“We have had that talk and he believes in finishing a move. If it is a counter attack, let’s try and finish it,” said Tau.
“People who are quick and skilful ... try to do the opposite ... that’s our nature as quick and confident players. Sometimes we have our own picture in mind on what we are going to do. But it is important to score goals, it helps the team to win more than dribbling.”
If you go around and ask most young players about their aspirations, the most likely response you’ll get is: “I would love to play for Bafana Bafana and go overseas.”
Tau is already a Bafana player, but unlike most, he is not at all driven by the idea of going to ply his trade abroad.
“My motivation is to try and get better every day. If I can improve on something, that motivates me. The other things are not in my control, so I don’t want to worry so much about something I cannot control. If I have to train harder, I will do that.
“The move overseas, if it happens it happens and if it doesn’t happen, that will never change anything. I will still be a player and play for Sundowns, which is one of the biggest clubs in the country and in Africa,” he said.
Speaking of the world stage, when it comes to continental club football, it doesn’t get bigger than the Fifa Club World Cup. Last year Tau scored
Masandawana’s only goal in the competition in Japan, and is eager to reach this year’s edition, which will be staged in the United Arab Emirates.
In order to get there, Tau would need another Champions League gold medal – Sundowns are currently 1-0 up after the home leg of their quarterfinal against Wydad Casablanca, with the second leg in Morocco on Saturday night.
“I am always grateful, especially that I have won it. It gives me more drive to want to win it again and go back to where we were in the Club World Cup. That is the biggest stage in our career – we cherish such moments.”
Mosimane may have asked Percy to display less of his kasi flavour. However, the coach has certainly made a lasting impact on Tau since recalling him from his loan spell with second-tier side Witbank Spurs.
“His influence has been good because he has changed a lot of things in my game and he has helped me to become a better person in life,” said Tau.
He continued: “He still wants more from me, he wants to improve me. I am grateful to be with a coach like him. He has given me my professional debut in the PSL, and I will forever be grateful for that and the opportunities he will continue to give me and I try my best not to disappoint him.
“I am grateful with the journey I have had with him. When I look back I look at a lot of success, even though we finished second in the league (last season) ... I look back and still see a good journey with the coach.”