Brian Mandela’s has been lauded by his club coach Steve Barker.
Mandela was 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 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
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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 , 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.