DURBAN - Percy Tau has been the chief tormentor of Mamelodi Sundowns' opponents in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
The young striker has been the Brazilians' match-winner on many occasions this season with his goals and assists. So how do you stop him? AmaZulu coach Cavin Johnson believes he knows how.
Usuthu take on Mamelodi Sundowns in an Absa Premiership clash at King Zwelithini Stadium on Friday evening (kickoff 6pm).
“Everybody plans against Percy Tau but I don’t think we must plan against Percy Tau. I think you must plan against people who bring the ball to Percy Tau. That’s where you need to cut out the supply for Percy Tau because he is a striker,” Johnson explained.
"If he was a defender it would be a different thing. Percy Tau is a striker and you must try and cut the supply. Maybe you’ve won half of the game if you can keep him quite but if you cut out the supply you will be alright."
Tau has scored nine goals in 21 league matches for Sundowns. This past weekend he scored the equaliser for Pitso Mosimane's team when they drew with SuperSport United in the Tshwane derby.
“We want to make King Zwelithini Stadium a fortress and we are still building.
“It will be no different against Sundowns. We have to be mindful of Sundowns because they are a quality team. They are the best team in Africa at the moment.
“They are number one in the league and for those reasons we need to give them respect. But at the same time we want to come out on Friday night and play the best we can,” Johnson explained.
Usuthu have been on top form against the big guns. They beat Sundowns in their own backyard in the first round and also won against Bidvest Wits and SuperSport. They drew with Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.
“It is not about confidence but about preparations. I think we have the staff and the players. It is about the preparations we are doing leading into the game.
“Sundowns is a quality team and that’s why we have to come with our A-game and make sure that we keep applying pressure for the full 90 minutes. We have to stick to our game plan if we are to beat them.”