The 32-year-old was shown the door at Naturena last week, having missed most of last season through injury. However, he had recovered towards the title run-in and even made it back onto the bench.
The decision to release the former Orlando Pirates man who had given eight loyal years of service at Chiefs was roundly criticised by the Amakhosi faithful, and last night he told Robert Marawa on MetroFM that it all came as a massive surprise.
“I was ready to play; the coach supported me,” he said. “The only reason I didn’t get back in to the side was because they were doing so well, winning the PSL for the first time in eight years and then the Nedbank Cup.
“Stuart Baxter told me he wanted me to stay. He said he had recommended a new contract for me. I thought I had another season, but they called me in on Thursday, my agent and Bobby Motaung.
“Bobby told me I wasn’t in the coach’s plans; that there was no place for me at the club. I have to respect that decision, but I must say I was hurt. Not bitter, but hurt.
“I couldn’t understand it. The coach had left on holiday a week before. And Bobby told me I wasn’t in his plans. It was very confusing.”
Tau added: “What they have done to my career, not my life, hurt me, but I will survive it. Bobby said the coach didn’t want me, but I have said there are non-football reasons involved.”
Tau said he has not yet been approached by another club and was still plotting his next career move.