South African duo Percy Tau and Njabulo Blom leave Vietnamese outfit Nam Định

South African duo Percy Tau and Njabulo Blom are set to depart Vietnamese club Nam Định FC after underwhelming spells in Southeast Asia.

Blom was the first to be confirmed on the exit list earlier this week, and Tau’s departure has now been added to the growing list of changes at the club. The exits signal the end of a short and largely difficult chapter for both South African internationals, who struggled to consistently settle and make a lasting impact.

For Tau, the latest move adds another twist to a career that has taken several turns since leaving Egyptian giants Al Ahly SC three seasons ago. His switch to North Africa, following a previous spell linked to English football with West Bromwich Albion FC, was once seen as a major step in his development, but it instead marked the beginning of a more unsettled period in his career trajectory.

Once regarded as one of South Africa’s most influential attacking players, Tau’s prominence at international level has also declined in recent years. He was previously a key figure under national team coach Hugo Broos, often one of the first names on the team sheet, but he is now notably absent from recent Bafana Bafana plans, with his World Cup prospects looking increasingly uncertain.

Njabulo Blom’s situation mirrors a similar decline. The former Kaizer Chiefs FC midfielder was once widely regarded as one of the country’s brightest young prospects, known for his energy, technical ability, and versatility in midfield. However, his move abroad has yet to deliver the expected breakthrough, with his form and influence appearing to fade during his time in Vietnam.

At Nam Dinh, both players were expected to bring experience and quality, but the partnership ultimately failed to meet expectations. Sources suggest their departures were inevitable, with both parties now opting to part ways and reassess their next career steps.

With their exits confirmed, Tau and Blom now enter the transfer market as free agents. The immediate question is whether clubs—either in Africa, Europe, or elsewhere—will be willing to take a chance on two players who still carry pedigree but are currently searching for a return to their best form.

For Tau in particular, the focus will be on whether he can revive the early promise that once made him one of South Africa’s standout exports. For Blom, it is an opportunity to reset and rediscover the consistency that once marked him as a rising star in the domestic league.

As both players weigh their next moves, their futures remain open—but their next decisions could prove decisive in determining whether their careers can regain momentum or continue on a downward trajectory.