Benni McCarthy, the newly appointed coach of the Harambee Stars, has made a significant decision by handing a call-up to South African-based defender Brian Onyango Mandela. Onyango, who has been playing for Stellenbosch FC in South Africa, is among the players selected for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. This marks his return to the national team after a hiatus, and the call-up is seen as a crucial opportunity for the defender to reintegrate into international football.
McCarthy’s decision to include Onyango in the squad is notable considering his limited game time this season. The 31-year-old centre-back has only featured in seven matches across all competitions for Stellenbosch FC, with just three of those appearances being in the league. Despite this, McCarthy, who has spent years in South Africa, has expressed confidence in the player’s experience and potential. Onyango’s last competitive international appearance came in October 2023 during a friendly match against Russia. He has a total of 39 international caps to his name, having made his debut for Kenya in 2011.
The defender’s journey to this point has been challenging. He spent several seasons at Mamelodi Sundowns, one of South Africa’s most successful clubs, but struggled with injuries and a lack of playing time, limiting his opportunities to feature regularly. His time at Sundowns was also marked by winning multiple league titles, but his individual performances were hindered by his fitness struggles. Onyango’s transfer to Stellenbosch FC at the start of the current season was expected to provide him with more playing time, but even at his new club, he has only managed to make a handful of appearances. Despite these challenges, McCarthy has opted to include him in his plans for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
The Harambee Stars are set to face Gambia and Gabon in their World Cup qualification campaign, with the first match scheduled for March 20, 2025, against Gambia, followed by a home match against Gabon on March 23, 2025. McCarthy, who took over as head coach just days before announcing his squad, is determined to start his tenure with victories in these crucial qualifiers. The inclusion of Onyango is a significant part of his strategy to build a competitive team that can make an impact in the qualifiers.
Despite his struggles for consistent match fitness, Onyango brings with him a wealth of experience that could prove invaluable to the Harambee Stars. His leadership qualities, combined with his solid defensive abilities, make him a key player for the team. His return to the national team is seen as a major boost, especially with Kenya looking to make a strong impression in the World Cup qualification process.
For Onyango, this call-up represents a chance to put his injuries and past frustrations behind him. It’s an opportunity to prove his worth to both his national team and his club. His resilience in overcoming injury setbacks and limited game time will be crucial as he looks to regain his form and make a positive impact for the Harambee Stars. His inclusion in McCarthy’s squad highlights the importance of experience in the team, and his presence will undoubtedly add strength to the defensive lineup.
As McCarthy prepares for his first competitive matches as head coach of the Harambee Stars, the selection of players like Onyango is an indication that he is not just relying on form and fitness, but also on experience and leadership to drive the team forward. Kenya’s World Cup qualifiers will be a significant test for the new coach, and the inclusion of Onyango in the squad is a step towards assembling a strong, experienced team capable of achieving success in the coming months.
