Orlando Pirates assistant coach Rhulani Mokwena revealed that Mamelodi Sundowns almost sold Percy Tau to Bidvest Wits and Ajax Cape Town.

The 24-year-old forward was recently nominated for PSL Player of the Season alongside teammate Hlompho Kekana and Maritzburg United star Siphesihle Ndlovu.

The former Sundowns assistant coach revealed that Tau was almost sold on two occasions before he was loaned out to National First Division side Witbank Spurs.

‘Sundowns almost lost Percy twice, they almost sold him to Wits and Ajax Cape Town,’ Mokwena said.

‘I’m saying this to show you the perseverance, the fight and the dedication that Percy has had to go through to be where he is today. It has not been easy.

‘Sometimes, we see the beauty at the top of the iceberg and forget the pain, the suffering and the sacrifice that goes with the iceberg underneath. For me, having known the story of Percy and where he comes from and what he has achieved, I think he has really improved and gone through a hell of a lot to be where he is and it is commendable.’

The Sundowns forward played a crucial role in helping his team claim their record eighth title this campaign, having made 38 appearances in all competitions while scoring 13 goals and assisting a further 17 in the process.