Percy Tau warned against signing for Kaizer Chiefs or Orlando Pirates - 'Who will he bench there? He must go to Mamelodi Sundowns'

Former Kaizer Chiefs forward Junior Khanye has warned Percy Tau against considering a move to either Amakhosi or Orlando Pirates.

Khanye feels that Tau is no longer a player who can compete at high-level clubs like the Soweto giants, and signing for them will only invite unnecessary pressure.

“I’ll be honest with you, he is no longer the same player he was five, six, or seven years ago,” Khanye told iDiski TV, as quoted by iDiski Times.

“He’s a totally different player, and age is no longer on his side. He can’t go to either Chiefs or Pirates; there’s a lot of pressure, especially at Pirates."

“There are youngsters who are speedy and very dynamic. They’ve got individual brilliance, so who will he bench there? He’s no longer the type of player who could get away with one-on-one situations," he added.

“Percy was dedicated and coachable; yes, he has talent and lives a clean life. But he can’t go to Pirates; he will be under so much pressure, especially if he says R400 000. That is a give and take. If they give you that R400 000 [a month], there will be expectations."

“They may give him the money—I’m referring to Pirates—but he’d have to earn it, and if he doesn’t, they can terminate the contract. It is going to be difficult for him to go there."

Citing pressure at Chiefs, Khanye said Naturena will not be a perfect place for Tau at the moment.

“At Kaizer Chiefs the problem is the surroundings. Yes, you can sign him, but does he still have the legs?" Khanye asked.

"Can he carry the team when it’s already difficult for [Gaston] Sirino—even one of the best, Khama [Billiat], couldn’t? If Khama struggled and eventually left, how is Percy Tau going to go there and do everything for Kaizer Chiefs and perform miracles? It’s not going to happen."

For a safe career landing, Khanye suggested that Tau return to Mamelodi Sundowns.

“So for me, he must go back to Sundowns and humble himself and accept a salary cut because also Sundowns can give him a job after football," he continued.

"There are many legends who are there. Bring him in for the Champions League and play him as a striker; he’s technically good and has plenty of experience.”

The former Al Ahly forward has already parted ways with Qatar SC after joining the club on a short-term deal in January 2025.

A return to the Premier Soccer League is possible for Tau, who would like to reignite his career and possibly put himself in a better position to be involved with Bafana Bafana.

Bafana have key games in September and October when they will play the remaining 2026 World Cup qualifiers. This means Hugo Broos will need his players ready and fit, and for Tau to meet that requirement, he must remain active.

Being a free agent and with the Premier Soccer League transfer window about to open, Tau's future is expected to attract speculation.