Bafana Bafana and Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly star Percy Tau has expressed his heartfelt gratitude upon receiving the prestigious CAF Inter-Club Player of the Year award.
Tau etched his name into the history books of African football at the 2023 Caf Awards in Marrakesh, Morroco, on Monday night.
The Al Ahly attacker became the first ever player from South Africa to be crowned the Inter-Club Player of the Year, adding another prestigious accolade to his growing collection.
Facing stiff competition from Mamelodi Sundowns’ prolific Namibian striker Peter Shalulile and Pyramids FC’s dynamic Democratic Republic of Congo forward Fiston Mayele, Tau’s stellar performances throughout the season ultimately secured him the coveted prize.
With his dazzling displays for Al Ahly, Tau spearheaded their charge to Champions League glory last season. He found the back of the net five times and turned provider also on five occasion as the Cairo giants won a record 11th CAF Champions League title. In addition the 29-year-old, Tau also played a key role as Al Ahly clinched the Egyptian Premier League and Egyptian Super Cup.
PERCY TAU EXPRESSES GRATITUDE FOR CAF INTERCLUB RECOGNITION
“Thank you for recognition,” said Tau on his official instagram account, where the likes of Xola Mlambo, Keagaan Buchanan, Surprise Ralani, Mduduzi Mdantsane, and Lebogang Manyama posted their congratulations messages to the man known as the ‘Lion of Judah’.
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“I’m humbled and pleased to be receiving the award. Special credit to the fans, coaches and my teammates,” added Tau. Meanwhile, Tau’s team Al Ahly won the Men’s Club of the Year with Fatima Tagnaout of Morocco’s AS FAR walking away with the CAF Women’s Inter-Club Player of the Year.
FULL LIST OF CAF AWARD WINNERS
• Player of the Year (Men): Victor Osimhen (Nigeria, Napoli) • Player of the Year (Women): Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria, Barcelona) • Interclub Player of the Year (Men): Percy Tau (SA Al Ahly) • Interclub Player of the Year (Women): Fatima Tagnaout (Morocco, AS FAR) • Coach of the Year (Men): Walid Regragui (Morocco) • Coach of the Year (Women): Desiree Ellis (SA) • Goalkeeper of the Year (Men): Yassine Bounou (Morocco, Al Hilal) • Goalkeeper of the Year (Women): Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria, Paris FC) • Young Player of the Year (Men): Lamine Camara (Senegal, Metz) • Young Player of the Year (Women): Nesryne El Chad (Morocco, Lille) • National Team of the Year (Men): Morocco • National Team of the Year (Women): Nigeria • Club of the Year (Men): Al Ahly (Egypt) • Club of the Year (Women): Mamelodi Sundowns (SA)