When Brighton signed Percy Tau from Mamelodi Sundowns, few expected him to play for the first-team straight away, and they were right.
Despite being 24 years of age, the striker would need some time to make the leap from the ABSA Premiership to the Premier League, which is why he was sent to Belgium at Royale Union Saint Gilloise to get some first-team European football under his belt.
As things stand, Tau has made five appearances for the Belgian second league side, scoring one goal and picking up one assist.
That sole goal came in the Belgian cup against KSC City Pirates, but his next game in the competition could be a lot trickier, as the small club face RSC Anderlecht in the sixth round.
However, the Brighton striker’s ability hasn’t gone unnoticed by Hein Vanhaezebrouck, who is expecting a tough matchup for his defenders on Thursday evening.
He said, relayed by Het Nieuwsblad: “We have to win this match. In the cup there is no second chance, and I cannot bear the thought of going out to Union after the defeat to Trnava [in the Europa League]. We have been warned by that match, but also of Mandel United beating Waasland-Beveren.
“Union are a strong team. Percy Tau, on loan from Brighton, would have his place in 11 of the 16 teams in the top league, and their striker Niakaté has scored eight goals in seven games”.
If any Brighton fans want to see how their loanee fares, the game between the two sides will be at 7.45pm.
