Spurs coach praises on influential Tau

WITBANK Spurs coach Themba Mafu has praised Percy Tau for the influence he has had on the under23 players in the team since joining on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns in January.

Tau, 21, struggled for game time at Sundowns, but moved to the National First Division to help Spurs in their bid to win promotion to the Absa Premiership.

“I am happy that during the transfer window we got the one player we wanted, Percy Tau. He is quite influential in play and in training. He inspires the other under-23s with his work ethic. He makes them realise that they can achieve their goals,” said Mafu.

Second-placed Spurs, who beat Cape Town All Stars 1-0 at Athlone Stadium on Saturday, are just two points behind leaders Baroka with eight matches still to play.

They have been the surprise package of the season, but it seems Mafu is not surprised at all to see the team challenging for automatic promotion.

“It started before the beginning of the season. We recruited our under-23 players earlier than usual. In previous seasons when we did badly, the under-23s could not cope. You have to ensure you have the right players. We also started setting our goals before pre-season.”

Can Spurs win automatic promotion? “It’s possible, but it’s not in our hands. It’s in Baroka’s hands. The competition is just too tight this season because you do not know what to expect,” said Mafu.

Baroka beat AmaZulu 1-0 at Princess Magogo on Sunday. NFD Results AmaZulu 0, Baroka 1; Milano 2, Warriors 0; CT All Stars 0, Spurs 1; Leopards 1, Swallows 1; FC Cape Town 0, Eagles 1; Mbombela 0, Vasco da Gama 0; Highlands Park 2, Thanda 0; Mthatha 0, Santos 0.