'The treatment didn't help' - Broos on Percy Tau

Head coach Hugo Broos has explained the absence of attacker Percy Tau from the starting XI during Bafana Bafana's win over Zimbabwe in a key World Cup qualifier.

South Africa collected all three points against the Warriors with a 3-1 victory at the Free State Stadium on Tuesday night. 

Iqraam Rayners opened the scoring in the opening seconds of the match, before Zimbabwe levelled matters a minute later through Tawanda Chiwera, in what was a crazy start to a battle of attrition between neighbouring nations.

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The second half saw Broos bring on Thapelo Morena for Elias Mokwana, and the Mamelodi Sundowns man repaid the coach with a brace to ensure a win for Bafana, while he also collected the Man of the Match honours.

Surprisingly though, Tau, who is considered one of the team's key players despite recent criticism, was on the bench. 

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Broos revealed that the 31-year-old was, in fact, unable to play due to an injury.

"Percy is injured. He was injured after the game against Nigeria," explained the Belgian.

"I said at yesterday's press conference that he should be ready, but the treatment that we had didn't help so much.

"So, we went to the hospital for him to have a scan, and yes, there is a muscular injury. So, he couldn't play.

"But again, he wanted to be on the bench. Again, that shows how this group is. So, it's important, the guy was on the pitch. He is even happier than everyone else."

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With Tuesday's win, Bafana went up to to second spot in the qualifying group, level on points with Rwanda, who also collected their second win on the same night against Lesotho.

Tau and Co. will return to World Cup qualifying quest in March 2025 when they take on Benin away from home.

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