Bafana Bafana star Percy Tau is close to achieving his dream of playing in the English Premier League.
TAU WILL BE THE FIRST SA PLAYER SINCE STEVEN PIENAAR
When he does so – hopefully this week still – Tau will become the first South African to feature in the English top-flight since Steven Pienaar in the 2016/17 season.
Work permit permitting, Tau will return to Brighton and Hove Albion for whom he signed for R50 million from Mamelodi Sundowns before going out on loan to Belgian second division club Union Saint Gilloise.
Percy Tau has played 28 matches for Bafana Bafana and has scored 12 goals to date.
There were five South African youngsters registered for various English top-flight clubs ahead of the current season, but none of them have to date made their official debuts.
Kgagelo Chauke (17) of Southampton and Nikola Tavares (21) at Crystal Palace have come closest having been named on the bench in recent weeks.
TOP 10 SA APPEARANCE MAKERS IN ENGLAND
While Percy Tau could well be poised for a lengthy stay in the English Premier League, currently the top 10 South Africans in terms of matches played in the English top-flight are:
10. Eric Tinker – 25
9. Philemon Masinga – 31
8. Kagisho Dikgacoi – 39
7. Quinton Fortune – 82
6. Benni McCarthy – 120
5. Shaun Bartlett – 123
T3. Aaron Mokoena – 124
T3. Mark Fish – 124
2. Lucas Radebe – 197
1. Steven Pienaar – 214
PERCY TAU HAS A LONG WAY TO GO TO TIE THE ALL-TIME RECORD
Pienaar’s mark sees him tied for 338th overall for most English Premier League matches played.
England Gareth Barry leads the way on 653 appearances.
