Percy Tau was Bafana Bafana’s poster boy heading into the Africa Cup of Nations and pretty much carried the weight of the entire nation on his 5ft 9 in frame.

So, the scenes after South Africa’s quarter-final elimination from the competition at the hands of Nigeria left several fans feeling lugubrious and especially for the 25 year-old.

Tau was the last Bafana player to leave the pitch, in fact he was the only player – from both teams – who stayed back long after the game had ended.

Apparently stricken from the defeat, the attacker spent a long moment of introspection in the heart of the Cairo International pitch.

Per Robert Marawa [Marawa TV], That moment when u r the last @BafanaBafana player to leave the field…..💔 for @percymuzitau22

That moment when u r the last @BafanaBafana player to leave the field…..💔 for @percymuzitau22 #MarawaMoments #TotalAFCON2019 pic.twitter.com/ywokS0uCJ0

— robertmarawa (@robertmarawa) July 10, 2019

Fans poured out to show support for Tau, paying tribute to the “Lion”.

One Twitter user jrwaramedi tweeted: @Monyetsane@percymuzitau22 play soccer for his passion and talent not for money.🙌 .Sorry our Lion of judah next time.☺

@Monyetsane@percymuzitau22 play soccer for his passion and talent not for money.🙌 .Sorry our Lion of judah next time.☺ pic.twitter.com/olXiA7w2ci

— #MORAMAGA🇿🇦🍹 (@jrwamaredi) July 11, 2019