Tau talks Tokyo, Bafana captaincy
PERCY Tau remains content with his behind-the-scenes leadership and supportive role in the Bafana Bafana set-up, saying he’s never thought about the national team captaincy and might only consider that if the coach asks him.
A colossal figure for Bafana, there are expectations for Tau to step up to leadership roles, especially after the arrival of new coach Hugo Broos. The 69-yearold Broos took over from Molefi Ntseki and with little knowledge of the team he’s hell-bent on working with younger players instead of veterans to bring change.
As a result, he selected a youthful squad for Bafana’s friendly against Uganda next month. Tau, Ronwen Williams, Keagan Dolly, Mosa Lebusa and Innocent Maela are some of the few experienced players who made the final cut.
With no sign of captain Thulani Hlatshwayo, a new man will lead Bafana out at home in two weeks’ time. While that person remains a mystery, Tau admitted on his return to the country yesterday that he’s not keen on the captaincy.
“I’ve never thought about it before and have never been the captain before. I prefer the supporting role, it works better for me – as a leader or captain, but behind (the scenes). There are so many captains on the pitch,” said the 27-year-old.
Tau is yet to officially meet Broos since his appointment as Ntseki’s successor after his failure to guide Bafana to the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cameroon, which is why he says, “We’ll see if the coach wants me to be (the captain of the team)”.
In as much as Tau is shy about leading from the front, he might have to come out of his shell during the Tokyo Olympics in July, considering that he might be one of the three over-age players in the SA Under-23 squad.
The Olympics may be for the Under-23 national teams but it’s a bigger stage for all the players who are selected by their national teams to showcase their talent to the world. But Tau is not certain whether he’ll represent his country even if he’s selected.
The Olympics fall outside the Fifa calendar, which is why clubs sometimes prevent their players from playing in the tournament because it clashes with their pre-season dates between late July and early August.
Tau has been on the fringes at Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion, playing only six matches since his return from various loan spells in the last two and a half years, which is why he feels his Olympic dream is still up in the air.
“That decision involves many parties. I can’t be sitting here saying ‘on my part, this is the way it should go’. Brighton, the national team and myself, we all have a say in the matter. There’s still time, where we will all see what will work for everyone.”