Latest news with #Tau
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 Citizen
4 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Parks Tau details oversight framework for R100k spaza shop support fund
The minister explained that disbursements from the Spaza Shop Support Fund are made only after formal approval by the NEF's Investment Committee. Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau has provided responses to questions about the oversight mechanisms and departmental roles governing the government's R100,000 Spaza Shop Support Fund. He revealed a comprehensive framework involving multiple agencies and automated monitoring systems. Responding to questions from Democratic Alliance MP Anna Maria van Zyl, Tau outlined the administrative structure behind the fund's disbursement. He clarified that his department's contribution will be channelled through the National Empowerment Fund's Rural and Township Fund programme using the 2025-26 fiscal year budget allocation. The minister's responses shed light on the monitoring mechanisms designed to prevent fund misuse and ensure transparency in a programme that has attracted significant attention for its support of township entrepreneurs. Spaza shop fund automated monitoring and committee oversight Tau revealed that the NEF has put in motion multiple supervision mechanisms to monitor fund payments. 'I have been advised by the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) as follows,' Tau stated, before detailing the comprehensive framework. He said that all applications are processed through the NEF's automated Customer Relationship Management system. The system tracks application progress and provides real-time daily reports on fund status and approvals. The minister further explained that disbursements only proceed following formal approval from the NEF's Investment Committee. The committee 'evaluates each application for funding following established investment criteria and due diligence protocols that are aligned to the Spaza Shop Support Fund criteria'. Regarding the finance verification processes, Tau revealed that the NEF's Finance Division implements internal financial controls that verify and validate all disbursements before funds are released. 'These controls ensure that disbursements are made in accordance with the approved terms and conditions of Spaza Shop Support Fund,' he clarified. ALSO READ: Government pays R6 million from R500 million Spaza Shop Fund Spaza shop post-investment monitoring and direct payments Tau detailed the post-disbursement oversight measures, explaining that the NEF's Post-Investment Unit conducts reviews to confirm funds have been utilised according to approved business plans and conditions. 'This includes site visits, assessment of receipts, and verification of stock or asset purchases,' he said. The minister explained the system of direct payments. He said to minimise misuse risks, disbursements are made directly to vetted and pre-approved suppliers for the procurement of goods and services required by beneficiaries, rather than to the clients themselves. The oversight framework includes monthly reporting to the NEF Executive Committee for operational monitoring, quarterly reporting to the NEF Board for strategic oversight. It also includes weekly coordination meetings between the NEF, the Department of Small Business Development, the DTIC, and Sedfa. ALSO READ: Spaza shops ask for more than R32m worth of stock Cogta's supporting role clarified The minister clarified the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs' role in the programme. 'Cogta is not responsible for the disbursement of funds under the Spaza Shop Support Fund,' said Tau. He added that the spaza shops' payments are managed by his department and the Department of Small Business Development through their agencies. According to Tau, Cogta's role focuses on municipal oversight. Municipalities are responsible for developing and enforcing local legislation and bylaws governing spaza shop operations. This includes trading permits and business licences. Through municipalities, Cogta assists the NEF and SEDFA by verifying that each applicant possesses a valid trading permit or business licence and complies with relevant municipal regulations and by-laws. Tau emphasised that 'Cogta's involvement strengthens the integrity of the fund by ensuring that only compliant and duly licensed businesses benefit from the financial support.' Tau confirmed that the NEF and SEDFA will be responsible for overseeing the Spaza Shop database. The entities adopted a shared portal across both their systems, with regular meetings held to coordinate application processing. ALSO READ: Government offers R500m spaza shop support fund – Here's what you need to know Spaza shop fund context The Spaza Shop Support Fund was established for South African spaza shop owners seeking to enhance and expand their businesses. Those interested in boosting their businesses can now apply for financial and technical assistance through the government's fund. Before the introduction of the fund, spaza shop registrations nationwide were introduced to prevent the sale of hazardous food to children, following multiple food poisoning incidents in 2024. The government's Spaza Shop Support Fund offers up to R100,000 in financial and non-financial support to spaza shop owners. The initiative is a part of its commitment to township and informal economy development. The support package includes: R40,000 in grant funding for stock, R50,000 in blended grant and loan financing for shop upgrades, including fridges and shelving, and R10,000 worth of business training and digital tools. 🟢 Spaza Shop Support Programme – Apply for Assistance Up to R100 000 🟢 The Government of South Africa, through its commitment to township and informal economy development, invites spaza shop owners to apply for financial and non-financial support of up to R100 000. Support… — South African Government (@GovernmentZA) June 8, 2025 NOW READ: Over 30K spaza shop applications were from foreign nationals
The South African
5 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Percy Tau drops HUGE Orlando Pirates transfer move hint!
Percy Tau has just dropped this massive hint over his next move – take note Orlando Pirates. Orlando Pirates are in the process of ushering in the new era. The Bucs will have a new head coach and a new captain next season. However, it does not stop there. Pirates are going to be revamping their entire squad with new signings and departures imminent. The latest transfer rumour says ex-Sundowns and Bafana Bafana star, Percy Tau hinting at a huge move possible to Mayfair. Percy Tau is open to returning to South Africa. So, it comes as no suprise that the likes of Mamelodi Sundowns (his former club), Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates have all been reportedly linked with his coveted name. However, it is the Bucs who Tau recently hinted at being open to moving to. 'I'd Listen to anybody, let's not rule out Orlando Pirates, or even Stellenbosch, SuperSport (United),' Tau told the media. Suprisingly, he has teased the possibility of joining Pirates before even mentioning Chiefs. Therefore, Tau is open to joining Pirates if the right offer is made. Meanwhile, he has not ruled out joining PSL rivals Stellenbosch FC or SuperSport United. Despite Tau being open to returning to the PSL, Chiefs are unlikely to make an offer for the Bafana attacker. Furthermore, Amakhosi have identified these attackers as their main transfer targets up front. Moreover, Amakhosi feel that they have learnt from their past mistakes with Keagan Dolly and Khama Billiat. In both instances, they chased a big name with experience but the players were past their prime. 'The team feels that apparently they believe they have learnt a lesson from the signing of Khama Billiat and Keagan Dolly,' an insider explained. 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
5 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Percy Tau eyes PSL return
Percy Tau is set on returning to the PSL (particularly to play for Kaizer Chiefs) after seven years abroad, playing for the likes of Brighton Hove & Albion, Club Brugge, and Al Ahly. Although winning two league titles and one CAF Champions League with Mamelodi Sundowns, Tau has publicly stated that Kaizer Chiefs was his first love, implying that it would be his desired destination; however, the 31-year-old isn't picky, perhaps because he doesn't have the luxury to be. 'I'd Listen to anybody, let's not rule out Orlando Pirates, or even Stellenbosch, SuperSport (United),' Tau confirmed. 'I'll not rule out anyone. My decision will be based on who gives me a contract. Of course, Sundowns still has my love, but then it will be based on who gives me a contract because at the end of the day, I still have to support my family.' 'So just because I love the club it doesn't mean I'll stick around for any offer'. According to reports, Kaizer Chiefs are reluctant to sign the three times CAF Champions League winner following their dismal history of signing veteran playmakers like Khama Billiat. 'The team feels that apparently they believe they have learnt a lesson from the signing of Khama Billiat and Keagan Dolly,' an inside source explained. 'They paid a lot of money but the club believes those returns were not worthy of it. So that's why they are looking at other forward players apart from Percy Tau. So for now he is not one of the targets. But in football you never know what would happen in future. But definitely not now.' An another source reaffirmed Kaizer Chiefs' pivot, saying, 'Of course there was a time when the club was interested in signing Percy Tau and that was when he was about to leave Aly Ahly.' 'But no longer. The technical team as well as the recruitment department have ruled out signing Percy Tau this time around. It's apparently not in the coach's plans at the moment. They pulled out of that race.' 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
5 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Tau on Riveiro: 'What he did at Pirates says he's good...'
Al Ahly's FIFA Club World Cup coach, Jose Riveiro, has cleared the air on why he left Betway Premiership giants Orlando Pirates in April. Days before Riveiro took Al Ahly to the FIFA Club World Cup to open the tournament against Lionel Messi's Inter Miami, the Spaniard spoke to the media about his exit from the Buccaneers. According to the former Orlando Pirates mentor who lifted three MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cup trophies, it was time for new horizons. Kaizer Chiefs news: Congolese attacker and Bafana winger Former Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro during a training session with his new club Al Ahly before the FIFA Club World Cup. Image: @AlAhly/X 'The decision was based on my feelings, and that my time at Orlando Pirates was up,' Riveiro said on Metro FM. 'I had to continue my journey and challenge myself in a new environment. 'So, I think it's also positive for Pirates to continue differently, try to find a different challenge, and for the club to also find someone to continue the journey, to take the team to the next level.' The soft-spoken Spaniard added, 'Al Ahly is a club that gives you a good platform to continue growing and winning trophies. I think it's a good option for my development. I had to make a decision. Junior Khanye: 'Tau can't goto Chiefs or Pirates' 'After all, I'm used to being alone and far from everything, and concentrating on my job because that's what I do, and that's what I'm going to do here [at Al Ahly],' he concluded. 'It's going to require a lot from him, where he's going is very different to South Africa. It's a club with so many fans and passion, they really love the club so much and he has to win every competition that he participates in,' Tau said on 947's MSW . Makola gives two names for the Orlando Pirates job 'But they've also given him the resources, they've signed him a lot of good players, so that would help but he has to do better than the previous coach, (Marcel) Koller, he won 11 trophies with me. He (Riveiro) has to do better than that. 'What he has done with Orlando Pirates it does say he's a good coach, he knows what he's doing. I think he can do well but it's going to require a lot. At Al Ahly it's not only the games he has to deal with…' Tau concluded. 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.
