Latest news with #PSLPlayeroftheSeason
The South African
3 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Opinion: Percy Tau has passed his peak and here's why
Percy Tau once led the Bafana Bafana team for several years during his peak. Known as the 'Lion of Judah,' Tau was a joy to watch, especially while playing for Mamelodi Sundowns and Club Brugge. After winning the Golden Boot and being named PSL Player of the Season in the 2017/18 season, the 31-year-old winger transferred to Brighton & Hove Albion. At that time, Percy Tau was seen as the next big star, with many expecting him to reach the heights of legends like Benni McCarthy, Steven Pienaar, and Lucas Radebe. Unfortunately, he spent only three years in Europe before returning to Africa, where he played for Al Ahly. Tau played his best football at Sundowns, Union Saint-Gilloise, Club Brugge, and Anderlecht. He left Sundowns in 2018 after scoring 18 goals in 65 appearances for the Tshwane giants. While he wasn't at his peak yet, he was rapidly improving as a footballer. Although he could not play for Brighton initially in 2018, he was loaned out to a Belgian second division team where he excelled, securing another loan move to Belgian giants Club Brugge. In 2019, Tau performed exceptionally well with the national team, leading them to the quarter-finals. Although he did not score a goal in the tournament, his performance drew praise. He carried that form to Club Brugge, impressing in the UEFA Champions League against top teams like Real Madrid. After a successful season with Brugge, he was loaned to Anderlecht, where he continued to impress, scoring four times in 14 appearances. Brighton eventually recalled him after two and a half years on loan, but unfortunately, he played only six matches for the Seagulls in 2021. He then transferred to Al Ahly, where he spent four years. Since 2023, Percy Tau has had less impact on both club and country. He struggled in the Africa Cup of Nations last year, which adversely affected his career at Al Ahly. Earlier this year, he joined Qatar SC but only lasted a few months before leaving. Why didn't he achieve greater success in Europe? Percy Tau peaked between 2019 and 2022, but during these three years, he was mostly on loan. He wasn't given enough opportunities at Brighton, which compelled him to seek playing time elsewhere. While he improved as a player after leaving Sundowns, he did not fully realise his potential. Had he stayed at Brighton for another year or two, he could have enhanced his skills and extended his peak period. Injuries and a lack of motivation may have hindered his progress at Al Ahly. As of 2025, at 31 years old, Percy Tau is now a free agent. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
4 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
‘Pirates star Saleng has done damage to football lovers in SA'
Monnapule Saleng has no future at Orlando Pirates, but how did we get here with the 2022-2023 PSL Player of the Season? 27-year-old Saleng hasn't kicked a competitive ball for Pirates since December 2024. Saleng saga timeline Regardless of what's going down behind the scenes, Bucs fans haven't taken kindly to what they perceive as poor professionalism from one of their star players., Hlengani@20 had this to say on X: 'The Saleng story has done a lot of damage to the South African football lovers. It's not clear up to now who is in the wrong between Pirates and the player. Contract issues are supposed to be handled between the club and the player's agent, transparency and legalities are supposed to be observed. On this subject, it would seem somebody is running away from the truth. That is the reason the whole matter is causing a lot of animosity between the football-loving community. It stings, it is unprofessional, and it is really bad to say the least.' Saleng produced a dazzling output of 15 goals and 11 assists from 30 appearances across all competitions in 2022-2023 to be crowned PSL Player of the Year. 2023-2024 didn't reach those heights, but class, as they say, is permanent. He was easily the best player in South Africa, by a mile. In October 2022, he bagged a match-winning brace in a 3-0 win against Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final. There's no doubt that Saleng loves big games. Saleng started the last campaign well with five goals in 13 outings, including a strike in the MTN8 final, but the second half of 2024-2025 has been a horror show for the player. He hasn't played a single competitive minute since the turn of the year. Ironically, his last minutes in a Pirates jersey came in a Caf Champions League group stage match against Al Ahly in early December, the club that tried to sign him. He was away with the Bafana Bafana CHAN qualifier side for a two-legged battle with Egypt. After starting the first leg, which ended 1-1, Saleng was released from the squad and returned to Pirates. Now, he's in limbo again. Pirates' most important player is returning The talk of the town. Image: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix Where will Saleng play his football next season? Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
10-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
PSL 2024/25 review: Mamelodi Sundowns clinch another title as Orlando Pirates, Stellies and Sekhukhune fall short
Lucas Ribeiro, who left for the Fifa Club World Cup with Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday, is one of the favourites to win the PSL Player of the Season award. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media The 2024/25 Betway Premiership season delivered a blend of brilliance, heartbreak and controversy. Mamelodi Sundowns extended their dynasty with an eighth successive league title, leaving Orlando Pirates, Stellenbosch FC and Sekhukhune United to reflect on what might have been. Here, Mihlali Baleka and Herman Gibbs unpack the highs and lows of each club's campaign, spotlighting the moments that mattered — and what's next. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 🏆@SekhukhuneFc's Keletso Makgalwa is the April #BetwayPrem Player of the Month — Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) May 14, 2025 Fourth | SEKHUKHUNE UNITED Sekhukhune improve but miss a bigger prize Sekhukhune secured a second consecutive fourth-place finish in the Premiership, achieving their highest points tally in the top flight (46). A strong start under coach Lehlohonolo Seema raised expectations, but he was controversially sacked mid-season and replaced by Eric Tinkler. Tinkler built well on Seema's foundation, but fell short of a Top 3 finish. However, his quick rapport with the players and the team's attractive football offer hope for the future. The good and the bad: Sekhukhune gave players like Keletso Makgalwa a fresh start. However, the club's handling of right-back Shaun Mogaila — who played while facing serious criminal charges — drew widespread criticism. The sacking of Seema was poorly managed and cost the team vital momentum. Star player: Keletso Makgalwa | Young Turk (best U23 player): Vuyo Letlapa | Sign him now: Keletso Makgalwa What's to come: If Tinkler is backed in the transfer market and retains key players, Sekhukhune could aim for a Top 3 finish next season. Ever-present, ever-reliable 🤩 Devin Titus featured in all 51 of our matches during the 2024-25 season ✨ — Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) June 8, 2025 Third | STELLENBOSCH FC Stellenbosch keep the African dream alive Stellies securing their return to the CAF Confederation Cup. This season marked their first appearance in the competition, where they impressively reached the semi-finals. They equalled their best-ever Premiership finish and navigated a packed schedule, playing in seven countries — including the DRC, Mali, Angola, Morocco, Egypt and Tanzania. A 3-0 win and 0-0 draw extended their unbeaten Cape Derby run against Cape Town City to nine matches, dating back to December 2020. The good and the bad: Stellenbosch began the season with six consecutive wins in all competitions — a club first and won 13 matches in the Premiership. Their worst result was a 5-0 thrashing by Renaissance Berkane in January. Star player: Fawaaz Basadien | Young Turk: Ibraheem Jabaar | Sign him now: Masindi Nemtajela What's to come: They have the financial backing to become a real powerhouse in SA football and will want tokeep fighting in Africa. Second | ORLANDO PIRATES So close, yet so far for the Sea Robbers After dominating domestic cup competitions for the last two seasons, Pirates were finally expected to knock Sundowns off their perch in the Premiership. They endured a nervy end to the campaign, their inexperience in the title race ultimately exposed as they fell short of the crown. They also had a near-miss on the continent, losing to eventual champions Pyramids in the CAF Champions League semi-finals after a near-perfect group-stage campaign. The side ended the season with only one trophy — the MTN8 — while coach Jose Riveiro requested an early release to join Al Ahly. The good and the bad: Riveiro's integration of youngsters into the senior squad was a clear highlight. However, near-misses in both the Premiership and Champions League dashed the club's aspirations, rendering the season a failure. Star player: Relebohile Mofokeng | Young Turk: Mbekezeli Mbokazi | Sign him now: Mohau Nkota What's to come: With Pirates yet to announce a new coach, the club's direction remains uncertain.
