DURBAN – Winning the Premier Soccer League (PSL) Player of the Season should be the pinnacle for every footballer desiring to ply their trade in Europe if history is anything to go by.
The reigning Footballer of the Season, Percy Tau is on the verge of making his big career move to English Premier League outfit, Brighton & Hove Albion.
The mercurial Tau dazzled last season and was much admired by the fans as he inspired Mamelodi Sundowns to an Absa Premiership triumph with his individual brilliance.
He shared the PSL Golden Boots award with Polokwane City's hard-working Rodney Ramagalela, and his move to Europe is the result of diligency, commitment and hunger.
Tau is now going to follow in the footsteps of other football greats who were PSL Footballers of Season and went on to earn lucrative European contracts.
The trend commenced back in 1999/00 when Siyabonga 'Bhele” Nomvethe carved through opponents with his pace, skill and verve while donning the colours of Kaizer Chiefs.
Percy Tau is hoping he can make the big move overseas in the coming weeks. Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
In that season Nomvethe was crowned the Footballer of the Season and that was followed by a European move, the well travelled talisman penning a deal with Italian Series A outfit, Udinese.
In the following season, Benjani Mwaruwari took the PSL by storm as he mesmerised opposition defences with magic feet during his spell with Jomo Cosmos.
At the end of 2000/01, Mwaruwari moved abroad. Being PSL Footballer of Season is clearly a big stepping-stone into Europe and the beleaguered yet talented Mbulelo “Old John” Mabizela is another star who earned a big European deal following his Footballer of Season gong.
Mabizela was a colossal figure when Orlando Pirates clinched the Castle Premiership in 2002/03.
He was spotted by Tottenham Hotspur during their visit to South Africa. He played some of his best football then and the English giants signed him straight away.
Percy Tau celebrates with the ABSA Premiership trophy after Saturday's match against Blomefontein Celtic. Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Another footballer who moved to Europe after walking away with the Player of the Season award was Collins Mbesuma. Following his record breaking season with Chiefs in 2004/05, the Zambian signed for English side Portsmouth. Former Ajax Cape Town star, Thulani Serero achieved a similar feat in 2010/11 when he signed for Ajax Amsterdam.
In 2016/17, it was the turn of Lebogang Manyama to move to Europe after becoming the PSL Player of the Season. The former Cape Town City talisman joined Turkish outfit, Kanyspor.
Now it's Tau's turn as he heads for Brighton and a chance to make a big name for himself.