Menzi Magubane
Bafana Bafana star Percy “The Lion of Judah” Tau’s impressive English Premier League (EPL) debut could earn him yet another start when Brighton and Hove Albion visits Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday.
Tau made his first start for Brighton on Wednesday in their 1-0 away defeat at Manchester City.
The 26-year-old however was substituted in the 67th minute but not without leaving a good impression on his coach Graham Potter.
“It’s been a big week for Percy Tau. He has attributes that can help us in this tough match,” said Potter on the club’s Twitter page.
The Bafana midfielder is expected to continue with his fine form on Saturday and help Seagulls avoid the relegation zone against tricky Leeds side. Brighton are two points off the relegation zone and a win at Elland Road would see them moving up just one spot.
Tau’s impressive two-year loan spell in Belgium convinced Potter that he is ready for the EPL. The Mpumalanga-born midfielder joined Brighton in 2018 from Mamelodi Sundowns but was quickly loaned out without kicking the ball at Brighton.
His first taste of football abroad was with Union SG in Belgium in the 2018/19 season. But he made it big at Club Brugge the following season (2019/20) where he got a chance to play in the UEFA Champions League.
At the end of the season he won the Belgian Pro League with Brugge. His loan spell with Brugge ended at the end of the season and was also loaned to Belgium giants Anderlecht this season.
He played 14 matches and scored four goals for Anderlecht before Potter decided to call him back from his loan. He rejoined Brighton last week just days after the current January transfer window opened.
Last Sunday he made his official debut for Brighton coming off the bench in the FA Cup against Newport County. Wednesday’s performance left people talking, even City’s coach Pep Guardiola.
“The people up front for Brighton are so fast, with Percy Tau and Neal Maupay. They run until the last minute,” said Guardiola.
Tau’s Bafana teammate goalkeeper Darren Keet also took to Twitter to congratulate him.
“Really happy and excited for Percy to be finally making his Premier League Debut. Go on boy. Flexed bicepsFlag of South Africa,” said Keet.
Picture source: @journo_haff
