Downs head for Japan on a high after thrashing Stars

MAMELODI Sundowns supporters cheered wildly as their team walked out of their dressing room at Loftus Versveld Stadium and made their way onto the team bus on Saturday.

Sundowns had just hammered Free State Stars 4-1 in their last league encounter ahead of their trip to Japan today for the upcoming club Fifa Club World Cup which will take place from 8–18 of this month.

Among those loud cheers, was the consistent mention of the name: “TAU, TAU, TAU,” for Percy Tau, pictured, who has established himself as a very important member of the team.

Tau was among a few players who were loaned out by the club to go and gain some experience elsewhere last season.

He played for Witbank Spurs in the NFD and helped the team to a fourth place finish with 53 points in that campaign. Pitso Mosimane likenedthe attackminded midfielder, who scored a brace in their match against Ea Lla Koto, to a “new mine” that the Brazilians have just stumbled upon and that there was a lot to come from the player.

“He scored two beautiful goals in this match,” Mosimane said. “And the second one was just amazing (to watch). He’s like a new mine we have just discovered. We just have to continue mining his potential until we unearth what he can fully become (as a player).

“He’s playing at about 60 percent at the moment. But the best is yet to come. Another plus is that he wants to play. He’s always hungry. He wants to learn and he’s very humble as well.”

There was nothing humble about the way Sundowns played against the visiting side. In fact, they were absolutely arrogant and ruthless on the ball each time moved forward in search of goals. They scored four, two of which were more of an affirmation that the famous CBD was now back in the scene.

Mosimane expressed his pleasure at how the likes of Leonardo Castro, Khama Billiat and Keagan Dolly played, saying the trio should also produce similar performances when they take on bigger teams at the Club World Cup.

“It was nice to have the CBD back on the pitch again,” Mosimane said. “They responded really well in that match and it was also nice to see Khama and Keagan scoring. Castro was involved in all of those moves and I’m happy about that.

“But having said that,” Mosimane added. “We all know what they can do on the domestic scene. Now we’ll have to wait and see how they will fare on an international stage.”

Meanwhile, Ea Lla Koto coach Solinas Giovanni said he was disappointed with the result and that his team would have to sign more experienced players if they are to avoid relegation.

Ea Lla Koto are second bottom on the 16-team table.

“We need to sign at least five more players if we are to survive relegation,” Solinas said. “We have to strengthen each department in our team. I’ve spoken to my bosses about it and they understood.”

Solinas wished Sundowns well for their World Cup campaign.

“They’ve done extremely well by winning the CAF Champions League and I believe they can go all the way to reach the final.”

Tau and Co will have to be just as ruthless in Japan as they were at Loftus if Solinas’ pronouncement is to become a reality.