Given his start to life in Cairo, not many could've envisaged the star Percy Tau would become at Al Ahly. Regarded as one of the best players plying his trade in Africa, Soccer Laduma spoke to Egyptian journalist Hassan Mazhar Eldesoky to get a feel for how the South African has changed the narrative around him.
Check Out: The 10 Highest-Paid Players In Saudi Arabia After Latest Arrivals
Saturday, 11 June 2023, was perhaps the Witbank-born attacker's crowning moment since arriving in Egypt's capital, when he held aloft Ahly's record-extending 11th CAF Champions League title. His goal in the first leg of the final set the Red Devils on their way to getting revenge on Wydad Athletic Club, with Tau finishing the tournament with the most goal contributions, five goals and five assists.
While the ex-Brighton Hove Albion man left many of the best defenders on the continent flat-footed, mesmerised spectators and proved clinical in front of goal this season, Tau proved a polarising figure in his first year in the Egyptian capital. Many questioned if Pitso Mosimane was justified in signing his compatriot because of how injury-prone he was when he first arrived. His constant knocks made it difficult for him to gain form and, consequently, questions began to arise about his quality.
Eldesoky, a sports journalist for Egyptian newspaper El Watan Egypt, has now said, though, that while this was the narrative surrounding the forward known as "The Lion of Judah", Tau has managed to completely change that perspective.
"It was difficult at the beginning and there was a strong attack by Al Ahly fans, but there were a large number of fans who had confidence that Percy Tau would be useful to the team," he told Soccer Laduma.
"There is no dispute over Tau at all [now]. He is one of the best players in the continent at the moment and no player has been as been valuable as Percy Tau."
The 28-year-old has recently admitted that he would love to return to Europe, but the El Watan journalist thinks that playing for Ahly comes with too many positives for Tau to even think about leaving.
Check Out: OPINION: Beautiful Football Will Not Win You The CAFCL
"He spoke that if he receives an offer, and I am sure that Percy Tau will not leave Al Ahly club unless there is a strong offer befitting him and the great Al Ahly," Eldesoky added.
"Do not forget that Percy Tau has a great opportunity to participate in the Club World Cup with Al Ahly next year and in the 2025 edition. This is a great thing that does not happen at just any club in the world, even in the largest clubs, such as Real Madrid, Manchester City, or Paris Saint-Germain.
"Percy Tau knows very well the great value of playing for Al Ahly, and I do not think he will leave at this present time."
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
WATCH VIDEO:
