Brian Mandela has earned praise from his club’s coach following his return to the Harambee Stars squad with the Stellenbosch FC tactician explaining how he will help Benni McCarthy.
Brian Mandela’s selection to the Harambee Stars coach has been lauded by his club coach Steve Barker.
Mandela was among players who were sounded out early by new coach Benni McCarthy for a place in the Kenyan team for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against The Gambia and Gabon.
The centre-back was recalled to the national fold for the first time since October 2023 even though he has not played a lot of football in recent years.
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Having left South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns after three years, Mandela found a home in Stellenbosch but he has still not played regularly, making just eight appearances this season.
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However, his coach is thrilled to see him earn a return to the national team, saying the player brings more than just his football skills to the squad.
“I think Benni has done the right thing, Brian offers character and leadership. He is one of the best humans I have ever worked with,” Barker told the media in South Africa as quoted by iDiski Times.
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“I think he plays with his heart on his sleeves, the way he encourages players, the way he speaks with the young players.
“I think as a national team player to have him back in the fold, I think, adds that. Plus, sometimes in Africa, World Cup qualifiers you need a bit of aerial strength, strong defender at the back, from a football point of view he is calm, he doesn’t give the ball away obviously a little bit older, lack of pace maybe on the continent certain games.
“The main reason that he will benefit the team is the person that he is.”
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Mandela had a horrible game on Tuesday when he was sent off after 35 minutes, during Stellenbosch’s match against Orlando Pirates, coming just hours after he had been named in McCarthy’s squad.
Now suspended for three games, Mandela will not be involved again for Stellenbosch until after the international break.
