Internationally revered Bafana Bafana superstar Percy Tau ‘s campaign to rebuild his career in Vietnam is being plagued by a massive international tax dispute.
Tau, who currently plays for Vietnamese champions Thep Xanh Nam Dinh FC, has been slapped with a staggering R1.4 million tax bill linked to the United Kingdom’s tax authority, Her Majesty Revenue and Customs (HMRC), with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) now moving aggressively to recover the money.
News of Tau ‘s tax headache was revealed in the application for a default judgement which SARS filed in the Joburg High Court last week.
The Bafana Bafana winger joined the Vietnamese side in August 2025 after leaving Qatari football and ending his successful spell at Egyptian giants Al Ahly. The move was viewed as a fresh chapter for the player once celebrated as one of South Africa’s brightest exports to Europe.
The application reveals Tau’s financial nightmare stretching back nearly a decade.
In the application, which Africa Daily has seen, SARS stated that it first sent Tau two letters dated 1 December 2022 and another one dates 12 December 2022 to pay the tax bill.
The letter required him to either admit or deny liability regarding tax debt certified by HMRC.
The taxman stated in the application that Tau’s debt relates to the 2014–2015 and 2015–2016 tax periods during the talisman’s time in England following his move to Brighton & Hove Albion.
According to the application , the figures are eye-watering.
The application shows an alleged income tax liability of £75,754.85, interest amounting to £4,255.55, and administrative penalties and fines totalling £1,400. The overall amount claimed by HMRC stands at £81,410.40 — equivalent to approximately R1.4 million based on the exchange rate at the time of the request.
“The amount outstanding in rands is R1 400 397.27 ,including interest as at the date of the request and calculated at the exchange rate applicable on the date of the request.
In terms of Sec185(4)(b) of the Act, if you fail to respond to the notice issued in terms of Section 185(1)(b), SARS is required to demand payment of the amount specified in the certificate issued by HMRC,” reads the application.
In the application SARS further warned Tau that failure to settle the debt within 10 business days could trigger drastic collection measures.
Among the options listed were the appointment of third parties holding money on Tau’s behalf to pay SARS directly.
The receiver of revenue also threatened to attach and sell his assets as another available option to recoup the money.
“ A civil judgment being entered against you in which case a warrant of execution may be issued for the sheriff of the court to attach and sell your assets,” reads the applicatation.
SARS alleged the former Mamelodi Sundowns footie failed to respond to the letter which was issued in terms of Section 185(1)(b) of the Tax Administration Act.
It appears his failure to comply with SARS’ demand to settle the bill resulted in the application for default judgement against him being submitted to court.
The revelation is likely to raise serious questions about the financial management surrounding one of South Africa’s most recognisable footballers.
Tau has enjoyed a globe-trotting career that saw him play in Belgium, England, Egypt, Qatar and now Vietnam. He remains one of the few South African players to feature in the UEFA Champions League and CAF Champions League at the highest level.
His move to Vietnam was supposed to revive his career after inconsistent spells in the Middle East. Wearing jersey number 22 for Nam Dinh, Tau has been competing in both the Vietnamese V.League 1 and the AFC Champions League 2 competition.
However, the tax controversy now threatens to dominate headlines instead of his performances on the pitch.
Tau couldn’t be reached for comment at the time of publishing.
