Bafana Bafana legend Lucas Rabede believes that Percy Tau deserves to be playing for his parent club Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League.

The 25-year-old was signed by the English club in what was a South African record transfer from Mamelodi Sundowns this time last year, but despite signing a four-year contract he was shipped out to the Belgian second division due to visa issues.

Tau may have been disappointed, but he put his head down, continued to work hard and was crowned Player of the Season for his efforts in Belgium.

Although Tau has excelled in his first season abroad, while also shining for Bafana Bafana, it is not likely that he will be gracing the heights of the Premier League anytime soon as he continues to battle the United Kingdom’s stringent work permit requirements.

Bafana legend Radebe, who played at now-Championship side Leeds United during their days in the English top-flight, admitted that it must be demoralising for Tau to be so close to his dreams, but to have off-the-field issues stopping him from reaching his goal.

‘It is difficult for Percy. If I were to put myself in his shoes – my ambition and aspiration is to play at the highest level –  and then you realise there are rules and requirements to be able to do so, it becomes demoralising,’ said Radebe.

‘But at the same time, you’ve been signed by a big club, so you might as well make the utmost best of it in terms of where you are [placed].

‘To be honest, for me, I don’t think he deserves that. I think he deserves to be where he’s put his signature and actually plays. But of course, we’ve got to adhere to the rules.

‘I feel bad for him, but I think he’s doing his best where he’s been placed in Belgium, and I hope that he does eventually get an opportunity to play in the English Premier League.’