Kaizer Chiefs have broken their silence regarding the swirling rumours linking Bafana Bafana star Percy Tau with a sensational return to the DStv Premiership, setting clear conditions for any potential deal following the player’s own public comments.
The speculation intensified after Tau, currently with Egyptian giants Al Ahly, appeared on the popular *Robert Marawa Sports Show*. During the interview, Tau openly stated he “wouldn’t mind” joining Amakhosi, but crucially attached a significant financial caveat: a monthly salary demand of R450,000.
**Chiefs Draw Their Line in the Sand**
Chiefs’ management, having noted Tau’s comments via the podcast, has now delivered a firm response. Club sources, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of negotiations, have confirmed that while the door isn’t completely closed, any move is strictly conditional on Tau significantly lowering his salary expectations.
“Management has heard what Percy said,” the source stated. “There is interest in principle. He’s a top-quality South African player, and we understand the excitement he would generate. However, the figures mentioned on the podcast are simply not feasible within the club’s current wage structure.”
**The Amakhosi Counter-Offer**
Instead of meeting the R450k demand, Kaizer Chiefs are reportedly willing to table a concrete offer, but on distinctly different terms:
1. **Reduced Salary:** Tau would need to accept a salary substantially lower than his stated R450,000 per month demand. While the exact counter-offer figure remains undisclosed, it’s understood to be significantly below that threshold.
2. **Two-Year Deal:** The club is prepared to offer a contract lasting two years.
**”That’s Final” – Chiefs Take a Firm Stance**
The source emphasized the finality of Chiefs’ position: “The club is clear: we don’t mind signing Percy Tau, but *only* if he is willing to come down on his salary demand. We have a figure in mind, and a two-year deal is what we propose. That’s the position, and that’s final.”
**Implications for the Saga**
This public stance from Naturena throws the ball firmly back into Percy Tau’s court. His desire to potentially join Chiefs is acknowledged, but the financial chasm between his demand and the club’s offer is now starkly evident.
* **For Tau:** He must decide if his desire to play for Chiefs outweighs his specific salary requirement. Accepting a lower wage would represent a major compromise.
* **For Chiefs:** They have shown they are serious about pursuing high-calibre talent but remain adamant about fiscal responsibility and not disrupting their internal salary hierarchy, even for a player of Tau’s stature. They are unwilling to enter a potential bidding war or set a precedent with an outlier salary.
**Fan Reaction Awaited**
This development is sure to spark intense debate among the Amakhosi faithful. While many dream of seeing the talented Tau in gold and black, the club’s firm stance on finances will resonate with others wary of unsustainable spending. The pressure now shifts to Percy Tau and his representatives to respond to Chiefs’ very public terms.
One thing is clear: if Percy Tau is to become a Kaizer Chiefs player, it will be on the club’s strict financial terms and timeframe. The romantic notion of a homecoming now hinges entirely on the player’s willingness to bend on his salary demand.
