Percy Tau celebrates a goal with Pitso Mosimane during the CAF Champions League match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Zamalek at Lucas Moripe Stadium on July 27, 2016 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)
The striker was replaced by Anthony Laffor in the 76th minute which left Tau disappointed.
Mosimane was seen hugging Tau and talking to him right after he left the field to join his teammates on the bench.
“He was disappointed when I pulled him off but I had to speak to him to tell him I had to protect him because if he misses [a scoring chance] again I don’t want anybody to be on his case,” the coach said.
”It was important to protect him. He is a very brave boy, you can see he is material for Bafana. He is never shy to try and win, never shy to attack defenders.
“He had a brilliant first half, him and ‘Mshishi’ [Themba Zwane] on the left side were superior and dominant and he played to his strength.
”But I always say he must play to score. He enjoys himself, he is happy, he just wants to dribble and play.
”It’s the same story of last year. I told him I need our people to say or players to complain that Percy doesn’t pass but always tries to score, that’s what I want. I want him to do that.
”But what a brilliant player, he keeps us alive, he is buzzing,” Mosimane added.
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