Kenyan international Brian Onyango Mandela is on the hunt for a new club after South Africa’s Premier Soccer League side Stellenbosch FC confirmed his departure following the expiry of his one-year contract.
The 30-year-old defender, who joined Stellenbosch at the start of the 2024/25 season, featured in only eight matches across all competitions. These included four league appearances, with additional involvement in the CAF Confederation Cup, MTN8, and Carling Knockout tournaments.
“Stellenbosch Football Club can confirm that Brian Onyango has departed the club following the expiration of his contract,” the club said in a statement on Monday. “Onyango joined Stellenbosch at the start of the 2024-25 campaign and made eight appearances across all competitions, helping the club reach the MTN8 final and qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup.”
Despite limited playing time, Onyango’s impact off the field did not go unnoticed. The club praised his professionalism, leadership, and work ethic, noting that he was a key influence in the dressing room and earned a nomination for the 2024/25 SFC Sportsman of the Season award.
“Despite the brevity of his stay with the Maroons, Onyango’s leadership and work ethic made him an influential figure in the dressing room,” Stellenbosch FC added.
Onyango’s tenure at Stellenbosch also marked a return to international football. He earned a call-up to the Harambee Stars during his time at the Cape Winelands club, appearing in Kenya’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Gambia and being named in the squad for friendlies against Chad in June.
“During his time in the Cape Winelands, the towering defender also returned to the Kenya national team for the first time in nearly two years to become just the third non-South African player to represent his country while on the books of Stellenbosch.”
A seasoned centre-back, Onyango previously featured for Posta Rangers and Tusker FC in Kenya before moving to the South African top-flight, where he had stints at Maritzburg United and Mamelodi Sundowns.
Stellenbosch concluded by thanking Onyango for his service:
“Everyone at Stellenbosch FC would like to thank Brian for his service to the club and wish him well as he embarks on the next chapter of his career.”
