Top South African clubs tussle for Kenyan defender
By DAVID KWALIMWASouth African club Maritzbug United have come out to publicly defend Kenyan Brian Mandela amidst media speculation suggesting he “is forcing through a lucrative move to Mamelodi Sundowns.”
The Kenyan international is still stuck in Nairobi despite his teammates converging for pre-season a fortnight ago.
The 23-year-old’s delay to report for pre-season is mainly attributed to the stringent and long process of acquiring a travel and working Visa for Kenyans heading to South Africa.
This, according to the Premier Soccer League club, which finished seventh in the South Africa top tier league last season.
SUCCESSFUL STINT
“As far as we are concerned, Brian is in Kenya sorting out some paperwork and will be back before the end of the week,” the club said in a statement posting on its official website maritzburgunited.co.za.
This development essentially puts to bed reports that the central defender, who scored four league goals last season, has stayed away from the “Team of Choice”, primarily to force through a move to the African champions.
Nairobi News however understands Sundowns are interested in the player who has enjoyed a successful five year stint in the Premier Soccer League since initially transferring to Cape Town Santos from Tusker FC.
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