Percy Tau has opened up on why he left Brighton and Hove Albion in 2021, saying he “just wanted to play football”.
Tau joined Brighton from Mamelodi Sundowns in 2018 but struggled to break into the first team. He was sent out on loan to three clubs in Belgium before finally leaving Brighton for Al Ahly in Egypt in 2021.
Tau has become a key player for Al Ahly, helping the club win the Egyptian Premier League and CAF Champions League titles in his two seasons.
TAU EXPLAINS WHY HE LEFT BRIGHTON
 “I just wanted to play football,” he said. “I didn’t want to sit on the bench and wait for an opportunity regardless of where I was playing. All I wanted was to play football and be happy doing it again.”
Tau’s decision to leave Brighton was controversial at the time, but it has ultimately paid off for the South African international. He is now playing regular football at a high level and is enjoying his football again.
Tau’s comments remind young players of the importance of playing time. If players are not allowed to play, they are unlikely to reach their full potential.
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It is also a reminder that not all players are suited to the English Premier League. Some players may need to move to a different league to find regular playing time and develop their careers.
Tau is now a role model for other young players struggling to break into the first team at their clubs. He has shown that it is possible to succeed by moving to a different league and playing regular football.
The Bafana Bafana star scored 10 goals last season and will look to improve last season’s performance. He also has the AFCON finals in Ivory Coast to look forward to.
The 29-year-old penned a new deal at Ahly that keeps him at the club until 2025.