Shaun Bartlett has weighed in on the decision to exclude Percy Tau from the latest Bafana Bafana squad, highlighting the crucial role that regular playing time plays for any player, especially with major tournaments on the horizon. Bartlett emphasized that being actively involved in matches is essential for maintaining form and readiness, and without that, a player’s contribution to the national team could be limited.
Bartlett also expressed his belief that Tau might need to consider making a move away from Al Ahly to regain his regular playing time. He pointed out that Tau’s current lack of consistent game time at the Egyptian club could hurt his chances of being a key player for South Africa in the near future. The national team, according to Bartlett, needs players who are match fit and regularly on the pitch to compete at the highest level.
While the decision to leave Tau out of the squad was a tough one, Bartlett supported it, calling it both a brave and a necessary move. With major competitions like the Africa Cup of Nations coming up, having players who are actively playing and in form is vital for Bafana Bafana’s success. This decision, Bartlett believes, will send a clear message about the importance of game time for national team selection.
