Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos explains Percy Tau’s omission from the squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Uganda and South Sudan.
Broos revealed that Tau’s exclusion was due to the player’s current mental state, which he believes is adversely affected by recent events at his club, Al Ahly.
As Bafana prepare for their crucial fixtures, facing Uganda at Orlando Stadium on Friday and travelling to South Sudan four days later, Broos will count on Relebohile Mofokeng, Iqraam Rayners, Elias Mokwana and Lyle Foster to lead the attack.
Tau’s absence from the squad came as a surprise to many, but Broos emphasised that the decision was made with Tau’s best interests in mind.
“The player understands why he’s not with us,” Broos explained during a press conference at Dobsonville Stadium.
“If he’s not pleased with the decision, that’s another matter. It’s actually a positive sign that he’s unhappy because it shows his desire to play for Bafana Bafana.”
Tau has faced criticism following his performances in the 2023 AFCON held in Ivory Coast, which Broos acknowledged could impact the player’s mental well-being. “I’m aware of the criticism he’s received after certain Bafana games. It’s impossible to remain unaffected by such scrutiny.
“From my experience, criticism lingers in the back of one’s mind, and the situation at Al Ahly is not straightforward either.”
The coach noted that Tau has not featured in any matches for Al Ahly in the past four weeks and that there are issues with the club’s management. “Given these circumstances, I don’t believe he would be mentally prepared for these crucial matches.
“However, I appreciate his strong desire to be part of the squad, even if he disagrees with my decision.”
Broos remains optimistic that Tau will return to the fold once the situation at Al Ahly stabilises. “I’m confident that by October, things will be clearer, and we’ll see him back in the squad.”
Bafana Bafana’s Group K also includes Congo, with the next Nations Cup scheduled to take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.