Tau reveals humility as key to his success

Cape Town - Mamelodi Sundowns forward Percy Tau says his humility and hunger to improve in football is the main reasons behind meteoric rise over the past year.

The academy graduate was lauded as a future Brazilians star during his time within the club's youth setup, excelling in almost every position on the field of play.

However, after making his debut for Masandawana against Orlando Pirates in the 2013/14 season, his career stalled somewhat due to a lack of first-team opportunities.

At the time, coach Pitso Mosimane claimed the young forward wasn't motivated enough despite his undeniable talent and potential in the game, and he was subsequently loaned out to the National First Division last season - a move Tau claims he pushed for.

Nonetheless, upon returning to Chloorkop, the South Africa youth international has produced some inspired displays with four goals and four assists in eight Premiership games.

"I asked for the loan. I needed to play. When the coach said Percy you can go, I was happy," he told KickOff about his time at Witbank Spurs.

"I needed game-time in a good position.The NFD is competitive and a good league. I enjoyed myself there and it helped my game. Even at Spurs, the guys helped me very much and the coach.

"If you are not humble, you are not humble. If you are humble, you are humble.

"It also depends with the person. You can't fake it. It happens. If you are born that way, if you are raised in a family that you got to be like that, your mother shows it and doesn't even have to tell you. It also builds your personality on that."

Mosimane will be hoping that Tau continues his fine form when Sundowns compete in the Club World Cup with their first fixture taking place on Sunday.