Mame Niang urges Sundowns to re-sign Percy Tau to improve scoring

Former Mamelodi Sundowns striker Mame Niang has called on the Tshwane club to bring Percy Tau back to Chloorkop, saying the Bafana Bafana forward could help address their goalscoring problems.

Tau is currently training with Sundowns after returning to South Africa. The 32-year-old is without a club following his departure from Vietnamese side Thep Xanh Nam Dinh FC.

He left Sundowns in 2018 to join Brighton & Hove Albion. Work permit difficulties led to a loan move to Union SG in Belgium, before he went on to play for Club Brugge and RSC Anderlecht.

Tau returned to Africa in 2021 when he joined Egyptian giants Al Ahly.

Niang shared the pitch with Tau during his own spell at Sundowns and believes the forward’s familiarity with the club would make him an effective addition to Miguel Cardoso’s squad.

“He is a great player. He will bring lot of experience at Sundowns. He knows the culture at Sundowns and has won many trophies with the club,” Niang told KickOff.

Asked whether Sundowns should sign Tau, the former striker said there should be no doubt about the decision.

“If you ask me if they can sign him, there is no doubt [about it]. The club is lacking someone like him to assist them up front. See, [Iqraam] Rayners is trying up front, but he needs someone like Percy Tau to assist him.

“Sundowns need goals to start winning more games. Tau will bring experience and those goals at Sundowns,” added the Senegalese.

Sundowns have endured an inconsistent campaign under Cardoso. Their season has already suffered a major setback with elimination from the CAF Champions League.

They also missed out on the CAF Super Cup after losing 3-1 to USM Alger at Loftus Versfeld last Sunday.

Tau began his senior career at Sundowns and won several trophies with the club before moving to Europe. His return to the country and current training involvement have now prompted suggestions that he could rejoin the side as it seeks greater attacking output.

Rayners is currently attempting to lead the attack, but Niang believes the South African international would benefit from playing alongside Tau. In his view, Tau’s experience, knowledge of Sundowns and record of winning with the club could provide the support needed in the final third.

The former Senegal international therefore sees the unattached forward as a possible solution to Sundowns’ struggles in front of goal.