Kenyan defender Mandela close to signing for South African top club
Kenya international defender Brian Mandela is close to joining South African Premier Soccer League side Maritzburg United.
Mandela, who is a free agent, has been training with Maritzburg United for the last two weeks as they assess him with a view of sealing a permanent deal.
The lanky defender has been plying his trade with South Africa’s Division One side, Sanlam Santos, which he joined in 2012, from Kenyan Premier League side Tusker before his contract expired in last month.
His mentor and Harambee Stars deputy Musa Otieno reacted to the news by giving plaudits to the defender.
CAREER BOOST
“I’ve always treated him (Mandela) as a younger brother and, I take pride in the fact that I have helped him grow. I look forward to seeing him back in action after struggling with an injury,” Otieno said.
Mandela played 23 league games for Santos in 2014/2015, scoring one goal. A return to the top tier league will help boost his career.
It will also come as good news to Harambee Stars head coach Bobby Williamson, whose defence has not be very solid in recent matches.
Stars next assignment will be next month, at home, when they host to Zambia’s Chipolopolo in an African Cup of Nations qualifier.