Harambee Stars defender set to leave South African club
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Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 21.06.25. | 19:03
The veteran centre-back will now be free to explore new opportunities as he enters the next chapter of his career
Harambee Stars defender Brian Mandela Onyango is staring at an uncertain future as his stint with South African top-flight side Stellenbosch FC draws to a close.
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The 30-year-old’s contract is set to expire at the end of June, with signs pointing to a likely departure.
Onyango joined Stellenbosch on a one-year deal last year following his exit from Mamelodi Sundowns, where he had spent four seasons.
However, his time at the Winelands club has been largely underwhelming in terms of game time.
The Kenya international made just 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, sources suggest that Stellenbosch have opted against triggering the clause, effectively making Onyango a free agent come June 30.
The veteran centre-back will now be free to explore new opportunities as he enters the next chapter of his career.
A product of Posta Rangers and Tusker FC during the Kenyan Premier League era, Onyango has carved out a respectable career in South Africa, with notable stints at Santos, Maritzburg United, and Sundowns before joining Stellenbosch.
Why Stellenbosch FC may not miss Onyango
Onyango’s limited role at the club this season can be largely attributed to strong competition in Stellenbosch’s defensive ranks.
According to FarPost in South Africa, head coach Steve Barker consistently preferred the pairing of Bafana Bafana international Thabo Moloisane and Ivorian defender Olivier Toure at the heart of defence.
Athenkosi Mcaba, another key figure in the backline, further restricted Onyango’s chances.
The 23-year-old left-footed defender featured prominently, clocking 18 starts across all competitions and five appearances off the bench.
Further complicating Onyango’s prospects is the club’s growing investment in youth.
Promising 20-year-old defender Tylon Smith, recently named Player of the Tournament at the U20 Africa Cup of Nations, is set for promotion to the senior team after making the bench twice in the Confederation Cup.
Liam de Kock, another youngster, also got minutes in continental action, appearing three times.
With an increasingly crowded and youthful defensive line, Stellenbosch’s decision not to retain Onyango seems more like a strategic transition than a reflection on his ability.
