Brighton and Hove Albion boss Graham Potter has hinted at a potentially historic debut in arguably the world’s best league for much-loved South African footballer, Percy Tau, writes Dean Boyle.
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Tau is set to become the first South African to debut in the Premier League since Tokelo Rantie made his maiden appearance for Bournemouth in 2015 when he lines up against English giants Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
Tau will join the likes of Benni McCarthy, Steven Pienaar, Kagisho Dikgacoi and former Bafana Bafana captain, Aaron Mokeona in playing in the Premier League.
All of the aforementioned players are South African football legends who carried the nation’s flag with distinction.
‘’We’re excited of course, he’s only been with us a few days, but I think you can see his quality,’’ Potter said after Tau made his FA Cup debut for the side in their third round tie last Sunday.
Tau came off the bench to make his much-delayed debut for the Seagulls nearly two and a half years since signing for them from Mamelodi Sundowns for R50 million.
TAU AND BRIGHTON HAVE THEIR WORK CUT OUT FOR THEM
Tau will have his work cut out for him as he could line up against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City who are among the favourites to win the Premier League and a side who have won two of the last three English league titles.
There is a good chance that Tau will make the starting XI with first team players Danny Welbeck and Aaron Connelly out injured.
‘’We’re having a little bit of a tough moment where we are [in terms of injuries] so it’s nice to have a fresh face, someone to come in and add that enthusiasm,’’ Potter explained.
Percy Tau is exactly that, a player who brings enthusiasm, who has made a name for himself as an attack-minded forward with a positive approach and isn’t afraid to take on defenders or shoot when the opportunity presents itself.
On Wednesday night at 20:00 (SA time), Percy Tau will hopefully make millions of South Africans proud as he makes history as the latest South African to play in one of the world’s top leagues.
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