Nigeria coach reserves special praise for Percy Tau

Percy Tau of South Africa challenged by Iwobi Alexander Chuka of Nigeria during the 2019 African Cup of Nations Qualifier match between South Africa and Nigeria at FNB Stadium, Johannesburg on 17 November 2018 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

by Staff Reporter

Monday Nov 19, 2018. 13:00

Percy Tau's stock continues to rise as the former Mamelodi Sundowns admirers continue to grow with Nigeria head coach Gernot Rohr the latest on that list.

The 24-year-old bamboozled the Super Eagles throughout their 1-1 draw against South Africa at FNB Stadium this past weekend, and delivered an especially eye-catching piece of skill to tee up Lebo Mothiba for Bafana Bafana's goal.

Tau currently plies his trade in the Belgium second division, on-loan from English Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion. Rohr believes it's only a matter of time before the attacker will be making a name for himself in Europe's top divisions.

“I would also like to congratulate this wonderful player Percy Tau," Rohr is quoted as saying by SuperSport.com.

"I hope to see him again in a big team in Europe. He has all the qualities to be a player in a big championship and he gave us a lot of problems. But collectively we were able to answer and to get the result we had to get.”

South Africa need to get at least a draw away to Libya next March if they are to join Nigeria at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

Rohr is confident South Africa have what it takes to do just that, but has warned Stuart Baxter and his troops to prepare for a difficult encounter in what will be the last round of qualifying.

“South Africa have a team that can qualify for the Nations Cup but their last match will not be easy,” Rohr added.

“Fortunately, it will not be in Libya. I think the game will be held in Tunisia. We were there and it was not easy. I can give some advice to the South Africa coach if you pass him my phone number!” he concluded.