Mame Niang believes Percy Tau could provide the goals and experience Mamelodi Sundowns need, and has urged the club to consider re-signing their former forward.
Tau is currently training with Sundowns after leaving Vietnamese club Thep Xanh Nam Dinh FC. The 32-year-old is without a club and could become an option for the Brazilians as they assess how to strengthen their squad.
The forward is familiar with Sundowns, having represented the club before moving to England in 2018 to join Brighton & Hove Albion. He later spent time on loan at Union SG, before playing for Belgian clubs Club Brugge and Anderlecht.
Tau returned to Africa in 2021 when he joined Egyptian giants Al Ahly. Niang was his team-mate during Tau’s previous spell at Sundowns and believes he still has an important contribution to make at Chloorkop.
“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.
The former Sundowns striker also believes the club’s current attack lacks a player with Tau’s particular qualities.
“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.
Niang’s comments come as Cardoso’s side attempt to recover from an inconsistent season and disappointing results in continental competition.
Sundowns’ CAF Champions League campaign has ended, while they also failed to win the CAF Super Cup. USM Alger beat the Brazilians 3-1 at Loftus Versfeld last Sunday to claim the trophy.
That defeat represented another setback for a club accustomed to competing for honours on several fronts. Niang believes Tau could offer the attacking output and experience required to help Sundowns improve their form.
Rayners remains an important part of the team’s forward line, but Niang feels the striker would benefit from playing alongside a forward of Tau’s profile.
Tau’s return to South Africa and his training spell with his former club have increased interest in his next move. However, it remains unclear whether Sundowns will offer him a deal.
Niang’s view is clear: he believes the club should consider bringing back a player who already understands its culture and has won trophies during his previous time at Chloorkop.
