Percy Tau and how Brighton have recalled more than a footballer – they’ve signed a country

Tau is back in England and all set to make his Seagulls debut this evening, two and a half years after he put pen to paper on a big deal that saw him swap South African giants, Mamelodi Sundowns, for the south coast.

It’s been a ride for him since then, he’s played for three different clubs in Belgium – most recently Anderlecht – and scored some lovely goals. He’s also picked up an award or two as well.

The 26-year-old CAF Champions League-winning attacker has many redeeming features. His work rate, his desire to be better, his ability to just be liked by anybody he comes into contact with. But one word that he can’t use himself, that has played such a role in his story so far, is his humbleness.

When Pitso Mosimane, his former Sundowns manager, sent him down a division to Witbank Spurs on loan - despite murmurs already doing the rounds in South Africa about how special he could be – did it bother him? Nope.

When work permit troubles meant that he ended up in the Belgian second division rather than the promised land of the Premier League, did he give up? Nope.

So now, with a complete overhaul of the work permit rules following Brexit meaning that he can finally be registered for Brighton and show the fans what he brings to the table, it would take a cold, hard heart to not be happy for the man known fondly as ‘The Lion of Judah’.

He’s tricky, he’s quick, and on his day can be unplayable. If you haven’t seen it already, go find his assist for Khama Billiat in February 2018 – it’ll give you a good idea of his game, and the sort of spatial awareness he possesses. He’s got a penchant for something special, and he loves a chip, too.

So Graham Potter has got a footballer on his hands, and a footballer with an innate desire to succeed – whether that’s on the field, or whether it’s putting in the extra off the field to obtain his Bachelor of Commercedegree while navigating his football career.

But as a happy extra, Brighton have also picked up a whole new fan base. Just ask Rangers what happened when they signed Bongani Zungu…

It’s been a long time since South Africa had a player to celebrate in the top tier of English football – many years have passed since the days of Lucas Radebe, Mark Fish and Steven Pienaar – and previous work permit rules meant that they were kept waiting. Even with a generational talent like Tau.

So you can forgive them for getting excited. Forgive them the bombardment of Brighton’s social media channels. Because it’s been a long time coming.

Because Tau stepping into the Premier League is bigger than Tau alone. It’s a green light for South African football fans to show that they’re seen, and a signal that things could change for Bafana Bafana after years of mediocrity.

Just a hint though, Brighton admin. Make sure Percy’s in a post or two every week.