Tau left Al Ahly for Qatar SC seeking a new challenge after a successful but injury-hit tenure in Egypt.
Former Mamelodi Sundowns captain Hlompho Kekana has shared his thoughts on Percy Tau’s surprising decision to leave Al Ahly after a four-year stint and join Qatar SC in the UAE.
Tau’s move to the Qatari club last week ended his tenure with the Egyptian giants, where he had won numerous titles, including two prestigious CAF Champions League trophies.
This transfer marked the start of a new chapter for the 31-year-old forward, and Kekana believes that the decision stems from personal reasons.
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Kekana, who played alongside Tau during their time at Sundowns and in the South African national team, gave insight into what could have influenced Tau’s switch to Qatar SC.
Speaking at the launch of the 2025 Limpopo Sports Awards, Kekana suggested that Tau’s decision was not solely about football, but also about his self-perception and desire for a new challenge.
“I think it’s personal; how he sees his game and how he feels about himself,” said Kekana as quoted by Kickoff.com
“We have seen when Thulani Serero left the Eredivisie to go to [the] UAE and I had a chant with him. Unfortunately, he told me why he chose that league and why he decided to go play there.”
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Sports CS Salim Mvurya has given an update over the progress of Talanta Sports City, which will host the 2027 AFCON following an imprompt visit to the ground on Tuesday afternoon.
According to Kekana, Tau might have chosen the UAE league for similar reasons to those shared by his former teammate, Serero, in the past.
“I’m sure if you asked Percy the same question, he would tell you a similar answer, that he feels he has done so much in football. Without a doubt. He [has] played at the highest level of this game, so for him to choose the UAE, he just wants to go test himself in a different environment.”
Kekana added that he respects Tau’s decision, stating that it shows the player’s desire to challenge himself further in a fresh football environment.
“So, yes, I just want to see what’s going to happen and I am happy for him,” Kekana concluded.
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Tau’s time at Al Ahly was marked by highs and lows. Despite winning 11 titles, including two Champions League trophies in 2023 and 2024, the attacker struggled with injuries and had mixed fortunes during the latter stages of his stay at the club.
His diminishing role at Al Ahly ultimately cost him a place in the South African national team, Bafana Bafana, a setback that has added extra motivation for Tau to rebuild his career and reclaim his spot.
The 30-year-old forward is now embarking on a new journey in Qatar, where he signed a six-month contract with Qatar SC, which could extend for two more seasons based on his performances.
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His move to the Qatari side follows a series of successful stints in both South Africa and Europe.
Tau’s professional journey began with Mamelodi Sundowns in 2013, where he won several domestic trophies, including the 2016 African Champions League title.
He later moved to Brighton in the English Premier League and had impressive loan spells in Belgium with Union SG and Club Brugge, where he earned recognition as one of the best players in the Belgian league.
Tau’s transfer to Qatar SC marks a significant shift in his career, and many are curious to see how he will fare in a new environment.
His journey has been marked by remarkable achievements, and his future at Qatar SC will be closely watched as he seeks to continue his success and possibly return to the national team fold.
