Percy Tau training with Mamelodi Sundowns as possible return emerges

Percy Tau has been training with former club Mamelodi Sundowns in recent days, although the sessions are reportedly intended to help the 32-year-old maintain his fitness rather than signal an imminent transfer.

The South Africa international has been without regular football as he looks to revive his career, but a return to Chloorkop could yet develop into more than an opportunity to train.

There are not currently believed to be direct discussions over a contract. However, the possibility of a deal has not been completely ruled out if Tau can impress Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso and his technical staff.

Tau appeared settled back in familiar surroundings on Sunday afternoon, when he was seen in the VIP section alongside several Sundowns players during the club’s 3-1 defeat by USM Alger.

His return to the club came a few weeks after he shared photographs of himself training alone. The post drew a reaction from his former Sundowns coach and Bafana Bafana incumbent Pitso Mosimane, who wrote: “The Return!!”

Sundowns have already brought back one former player this season. Cassius Mailula rejoined the club after training with the squad before the start of the campaign.

Mailula has made a positive contribution since returning, despite making an expensive mistake in the 1-1 draw with Wiliete SC in the CAF Champions League.

A reunion with Tau would therefore not be without precedent, and his age means he could still have several productive seasons ahead of him. The forward is 32 and is considered to have “three or four seasons left in the tank”.

Tau’s career has included extensive experience both in South Africa and abroad. In Europe, he played for Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, Club Brugge, Anderlecht and Brighton & Hove Albion.

He has also represented Al Ahly, Qatar SC and Nam Đinh FC. That background means he could be a significant addition for a club in South Africa or overseas if he can return to full fitness and form.

For now, his work with Sundowns is understood to be focused on preparation rather than a confirmed contract. Whether the training leads to a formal offer may depend on how he performs in front of Cardoso and the club’s technical team.