Kaizer Chiefs Rule Out Percy Tau Move Amid Shift in Transfer Strategy

Despite Percy Tau being one of South Africa’s most decorated forwards and now available as a free agent, Kaizer Chiefs have surprisingly turned down the opportunity to pursue a high-profile homecoming for the 31-year-old star. The decision marks a significant shift in the club’s recruitment philosophy as they look to avoid past mistakes and adopt a more financially sustainable approach under the guidance of incoming coach Nasreddine Nabi.

A year ago, Tau was reportedly on Chiefs’ radar when he was preparing to leave Egyptian giants Al Ahly. At the time, club officials had shown interest in luring the Bafana Bafana attacker back to the PSL, with Amakhosi fans dreaming of a marquee signing that would reignite the club’s attacking fortunes.

However, according to a high-ranking insider at Naturena with direct knowledge of current transfer deliberations, the club has officially pulled out of any potential move for Tau. The technical team and recruitment department have aligned on the decision, and the former Mamelodi Sundowns man is no longer part of the club’s transfer plans.

“Of course there was a time when the club was interested in signing Percy Tau and that was when he was about to leave Al Ahly,” the source revealed. “But no longer. The technical team as well as the recruitment department have ruled out signing Percy Tau this time around. It’s not in the coach’s plans. They’ve pulled out of that race.”

Another insider close to the club suggested that financial considerations have also played a crucial role in the decision. Chiefs are believed to have become more cautious following expensive signings in recent years that failed to deliver the expected returns.

“There’s a feeling within the club that lessons were learned from the big-money deals for Khama Billiat and Keagan Dolly,” the insider said. “Chiefs paid a lot for those players, but the returns didn’t match the investment. That’s why they’re now focusing on younger, more affordable options instead of high-profile names like Percy Tau. So for now, he’s not one of the targets. But in football, things can always change in the future.”

Following his recent release by Qatar SC, Tau is currently in search of a new club. His resume includes stints with Brighton & Hove Albion in the English Premier League, Club Brugge in Belgium, and a successful run with Al Ahly in Egypt, where he won multiple titles and remained a fan favorite. His reputation as one of South Africa’s top talents over the last decade had sparked speculation of a return to the PSL, with Chiefs initially thought to be in the mix.

As things stand, the Glamour Boys appear determined to move in a different direction under the incoming leadership of Nasreddine Nabi. The Tunisian coach is expected to place greater emphasis on youth, energy, and long-term squad building, rather than relying on marquee names nearing the twilight of their careers.

While a return for Tau would certainly have boosted the club’s profile and brought excitement to fans, Chiefs seem more focused on creating a sustainable foundation for the future—an approach they believe will lead to more consistent success on the pitch.