Harambee Stars of Kenya defender Brian Mandela Onyango has joined South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
Mandela was confirmed as a Sundwons player after signing a three-year deal with the Brazilians. Sundowns also have an option to extend the deal after the initial term expires.
“Brian Onyango has joined Mamelodi Sundowns on a three-year deal with a two-year option to extend,” Mamelodi confirmed on their official website.
“The centre-back comes with a wealth of international and local experience as he has played for Santos, the Team of Choice, and his national side. Onyango first moved to South Africa in 2012 to join the now ABC Motsepe based Santos.
“The Kenyan International joins Masandawana as a free agent, he last turned out for Maritzburg United.
“Welcome to Masandawana Brian Onyango.”
Mandela started his career with Posta Rangers in 2010, a year later, he made the move to 11-time Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions Tusker FC where he played for two years, before his move to South Africa.
Mandela’s first club in South Africa was Santos, where he made 48 appearances, and scored three goals in three seasons.
He then made a move to Maritzburg United where he made 77 appearances. His contract with Maritzburg expired in 2019, and has been a free agent since then.
Mandela will be part of the Mamelodi Sundowns team for the new 2020/2021 season. The defending champions are currently second on the PSL table with four points from two games played so far this season.
The defender was part of the Harambee Stars side that beat Zambia 2-1 in an international friendly match played at the Nyayo Stadium. Mandela started at the center of the defense, but was later substituted for Wazito FC defender Johnstone Omurwa.