McCarthy calls-up South African-based defender to Harambee Stars

by Staff Reporter

Saturday Mar 08, 2025. 15:00

Newly appointed Kenya national team head coach Benni McCarthy has included South African-based defender Brian Onyango Mandela in the Harambee Stars squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Since being introduced as the new coach on Monday, McCarthy has been assessing players in preparation for selecting his inaugural squad with crucial World Cup qualifiers against the Gambia and Gabon looming this month.

McCarthy’s familiarity with Onyango, gained from his background as a South African may have influenced his decision to include the centre-back in his squad.

This is despite Onyango having limited playing time for Stellenbosch FC this season, with just seven appearances across all competitions according to Pulse Sports.

“Onyango is set to return to international football after being named in the Harambee Stars’ squad for this month’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon on 20 and 23 March, respectively,” Stellenbosch confirmed the call-up with statement on their official website.

“The veteran defender last featured in October 2023 during a friendly against Russia and boasts 39 international caps to his name since making his debut back in 2011.”

Onyango’s last appearance for Kenya was on 12 October 2023 in a 2-2 friendly draw against Russia, following a 1-0 loss to South Sudan in Nairobi a month prior.

However, a combination of injuries and poor form had kept him out of the national team since then until his recent call-up, which marks a significant turnaround for the player.

The defender joined Stellies at the start of this season following three frustrating seasons with Mamelodi Sundowns where he won titles but struggled for consistent game time due to injuries.

Onyango’s situation has not changed much in the Western Cape, where he has played just seven games despite not being injured.