From Brighton to Middle East, where did it go wrong for Percy Tau?

Bafana Bafana forward Percy Tau is set to continue his career in Qatar after completing a move to Qatar SC following his departure from Al Ahly this week.

The 30-year-old forward reached an agreement with Egyptian giants Al Ahly to terminate his contract, and he is now preparing to undergo a medical examination before finalizing the terms of his move to the Qatari side. According to Kick-Off, Tau’s transfer to Qatar SC is expected to be confirmed shortly.

Tau had been linked with various clubs in recent months, with rumors surrounding moves to Kaizer Chiefs and Zamalek. However, his time at Al Ahly was marred by a lack of playing time under head coach Ricardo Soares, who favored other players in the attacking department. Tau struggled to secure consistent minutes in the starting lineup, particularly in domestic league fixtures, which led to his decision to part ways with the club.

Before his time at Al Ahly, Percy Tau had a turbulent journey through European football. He first made a name for himself at Mamelodi Sundowns before securing a move to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League in 2018. However, his time at Brighton was complicated by visa issues, which prevented him from obtaining a UK work permit. As a result, he was loaned out to Union SG, Club Brugge, and Anderlecht, where he gained valuable experience and impressed with his performances.

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Tau’s Time at Brighton: A Mixed Experience

Percy Tau’s time at Brighton & Hove Albion was brief but eventful. After initially signing for the Seagulls in 2018 for a reported fee of R50 million, Tau struggled to establish himself in the English Premier League. He was loaned out to Belgian clubs in search of playing time before finally making his debut for Brighton on 10 January 2021, nearly three years after signing with the club. His debut came in an FA Cup third-round tie against Newport County, and just three days later, he made his Premier League debut against Manchester City, where he impressed despite the team’s 1-0 defeat.

However, Tau’s time at Brighton was short-lived, and after just seven months, he made a surprising move to Al Ahly in August 2021, reuniting with former coach Pitso Mosimane. The transfer raised eyebrows, as many believed it was a step backward for a player who had recently achieved his dream of playing in the Premier League.

Achievements at Al Ahly

Despite a relatively low-profile spell in Egypt, Percy Tau’s time at Al Ahly proved to be successful in terms of silverware. Tau won 11 trophies with the club, including two CAF Champions League titles, solidifying his reputation as one of Africa’s top forwards. His contributions in both domestic and continental competitions were crucial to Al Ahly’s success, and his performances under Mosimane helped the team maintain dominance in African football.

Did Tau Make a Mistake by Leaving Brighton?

Looking back, the decision for Percy Tau to leave Brighton and join Al Ahly raises questions about whether it was the right choice. On the one hand, Tau struggled to make a consistent impact in the Premier League, failing to secure a regular spot in the lineup due to the work permit issues and stiff competition at Brighton. The move to Al Ahly, however, allowed him to reignite his career, playing under a coach who understood his strengths and provided him with regular opportunities to shine on the continental stage.

At Al Ahly, Tau flourished in a more familiar environment, winning prestigious titles and experiencing more game time, which helped him stay sharp and maintain his international form for Bafana Bafana. However, the move to Qatar could present a new challenge for Tau. While the Qatari league may not have the same level of competition as the European leagues, it offers a fresh start and an opportunity to continue his career in a new environment.

Tau’s move to Qatar SC could also be seen as a way to rejuvenate his career in a more relaxed footballing environment after years of navigating the pressures of European football. The move will provide him with a chance to focus on his game without the intense scrutiny that comes with playing in high-profile leagues like the Premier League or Egyptian Premier League.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Percy Tau

Percy Tau’s decision to leave Brighton may have been a challenging one at the time, as it meant stepping away from his dream of playing in the Premier League. However, looking back, it’s clear that his time at Al Ahly has been filled with success, helping him add silverware to his career and maintain a prominent role in Bafana Bafana’s squad.

As Tau embarks on a new chapter with Qatar SC, fans will be eager to see how he adapts to a new challenge in the Qatari league. His move offers a chance to refocus on his career, and it will be exciting to see if Tau can continue to deliver the same level of performance that has made him one of South Africa’s most talented and accomplished footballers. Whether or not Tau made a mistake leaving Brighton remains up for debate, but one thing is clear: he has managed to carve out a successful and celebrated career, and his journey is far from over.