Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has stated that it’s a positive sign that Percy Tau is unhappy about his exclusion from the national team but understands the reasons behind his omission.

Tau expressed his disappointment at not being selected for the squad that will face Uganda on Friday and South Sudan four days later in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Broos revealed that Tau has faced significant criticism in South Africa, particularly after being substituted in the 79th minute of the June 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Nigeria in Uyo.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns forward, who is currently on a short break in South Africa, was appointed as Broos’ vice-captain when the coach arrived in May 2021. However, he has occasionally frustrated the coach by allegadly declining call-ups.

“I think the player knows why he is not with us,” said Broos. 

“He knows it. This is not the problem and I told him, it’s not a problem. 

“That he doesn’t agree, that’s another thing and it is a good thing because that means he wants to play for Bafana Bafana. 

“But he has to understand that he can tell me what wants and I know what he got from the criticism after the Bafana Bafana game, don’t tell me it doesn’t affect you. 

“Don’t tell me that it doesn’t affect you. I have experience because I have been criticised as a player and as a coach.    

“You can say that it doesn’t affect you, it stays on the back of your mind and there is also the situation at Al Ahly. You can’t tell me the situation is clear at Al Ahly because it is not.  

“It is not clear because he hasn’t played for the last four weeks, there is a problem with the coach and I know this because I read about it in the papers.  

“I don’t think for these two important games and intensive matches against Uganda and South Sudan he will be mentally ready for that.  

“He knows that but I don’t have a problem that the player is not agreeing with what I am telling him.  

“On the opposite, I think it is good mentality to show that he wants to be with Bafana Bafana.  

“He will be with us again when things are clear, So I don’t think there will still be a problem in October but we will see.” 

With Tau out as the vice-captain, coach Broos will also be without captain Ronwen Williams due to injury. This means Broos will need to appoint a new captain for these two matches.

Tau has been capped 46 times for the national team and has scored 15 goals.