Brian Mandela finds new home in South Africa

Harambee Stars defender Brian Mandela has found a new home in South Africa after putting pen to paper with top-flight side Orbit College FC.

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According to reports from South Africa, first published by Soccer Laduma, the Kenya international has emerged as the latest experienced addition at Orbit College as the club looks to steady the ship in what has been a challenging debut campaign in the top flight.

Orbit currently sits 15th on the Premier Soccer League table after 18 matches, having managed just four wins in their first-ever season at this level.

With the relegation battle intensifying, the club has moved to inject leadership and top-flight experience into the squad.

Sources in South Africa say that Mandela has signed a deal with Orbit until the end of the season.

“Brian Onyango has signed until the end of the season,” a source revealed. “The team felt it was important to bring in someone with experience at this stage of the campaign.

They are fighting to move away from the bottom of the table, and his leadership qualities, physical presence and understanding of the league could help stabilise things at the back.

“He knows what it takes to compete at a high level, and that’s exactly what the club needs right now,” the source added.

The 31-year-old centre-back became a free agent in June last year after parting ways with Stellenbosch.

Onyango had joined Stellenbosch in August 2024 following the end of his stint with Mamelodi Sundowns, but he managed only a handful of appearances during his time in the Cape Winelands.

Despite limited game time at the club level, the defender remained part of the international setup and returned to the Harambee Stars fold under head coach Benni McCarthy.

Mandela will now extend his stay in South Africa to 15 years, having spent the majority of his professional career in the country.

During his four-year stint with Mamelodi Sundowns, after joining from Maritzburg United, he won four Premiership titles, the Nedbank Cup, and the MTN8.

In his final season with Sundowns, he received limited opportunities, making just three league appearances, while also featuring four times in the CAF Champions League and the African Football League.

Onyango later joined Stellenbosch on a one-year deal following his departure from Sundowns, where he had spent four seasons.

However, his time at the Winelands club proved challenging in terms of playing time.

The Kenya international made eight appearances across all competitions, including two outings in the CAF Confederation Cup, a tournament in which Stellenbosch impressively reached the semi-finals.

Despite the club having an option to extend his contract by another year, Stellenbosch opted against triggering the clause, leaving the defender a free agent before his move to Orbit College.

Orbit will now hope that Mandela’s experience and defensive solidity can help the team climb away from the relegation zone and secure their Premier Soccer League status.