Bafana Bafana star forward Percy Tau has been heavily backed to continue taking responsibility on his own shoulders despite criticism that he's 'too selfish'.
Tau took some flak from Bafana fans over his performance in their 2-0 defeat to Ghana in their opening 2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group C qualifier on Thursday evening.
The 25-year-old Club Brugge winger is largely seen as the most influential figure in the national team, having scored nine goals in 21 appearances since stepping up in 2017.
However, this often comes as a detriment, when things don't go accordingly for the team and he tries to take responsibility upon his own shoulders to try and forge openings in attack, leading to some labelling him 'selfish'.
But midfielder Dean Furman has since come to his teammate's defence, highlighting the advantages of having a player of Tau's capabilities and fearlessness to lead from the front.
"I'd much rather prefer a player who looks to take responsibility than a player who hides and doesn't want the ball, and stands on the side and goes unnoticed," defended Furman.
"For me, the fact that he wants the ball; the fact that he wants to take on players; the fact that he doesn't fear anyone, that's why he's the player that he is.
"So, we'd much rather that [he takes responsibility] than hide out on the right [flank] and plays it simple, plays it back to his right-back all the time and doesn't give the ball away."
The 31-year-old, who is closing in on his 50th Bafana cap, also believes he was a major threat to The Black Stars' defence with his individual runs down the wing on Thursday.
"I'd much rather he gets the ball – he's the Percy that we know, he was taking on players and there were a few instances in the first-half where his quick feet got us into great positions, unfortunately we couldn't find the final ball," Furman added.
"But, without that bit of attacking brilliance he brings, we're half the team. So, the fact that he is taking responsibility, putting his hand up and saying, 'give me the ball' is really why he is the player that he is."