Harambee Stars defender faces uncertain future in South Africa
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Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 26.05.26. | 20:34
Orbit’s drop to the second tier was confirmed following a 2-0 defeat to Orlando Pirates in their final league match of the season, coupled with Magesi’s 1-0 victory over Richards Bay
Harambee Stars defender Brian Mandela could be facing an uncertain future in South Africa after Orbit College suffered relegation from the South African Premiership.
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Orbit’s drop to the second tier was confirmed following a 2-0 defeat to Orlando Pirates in their final league match of the season, coupled with Magesi FC’s 1-0 victory over Richards Bay. The results left Orbit rooted at the bottom of the table.
After the relegation, head coach Pogiso Makhoye admitted the club had already prepared itself mentally for the possibility of going down and hinted at a major rebuild centred around younger players.
“I’m really a happy man; even today I started with around four under-23 players, so it means I was preparing for life in the MFC [Motsepe Foundation Championship] if things didn't go well for us,” said Makhoye.
"Indeed, it happened like that, but we've learned a lot this season, and if we get another chance to get promoted again, I'll be calmer in this league as an experienced coach because I had to learn somewhere.”
The coach’s comments are likely to raise concerns for some of the senior players in the squad, including Mandela, as Orbit appeared ready to shift focus toward youth development ahead of next season.
Orbit had several players above the age of 30 in their squad this term, among them Atisang Toto (43), Ramahlwe Mphahlele (35), Brian Mandela Onyango (31), Thabang Maponya (30) and Tshepo Matsemela (30).
Makhoye revealed that the club had already started integrating younger players into the team during the closing stages of the campaign, insisting the experience gained would help them in the future.
“We cannot fault these young boys; they gave a good performance, and I’m proud of them. We’ve been building this young team for the past six games, and I think we are growing,” he stated.
“Unfortunately, today they knew it’s either the playoffs or we get relegated straight, and we prepared for any situation that would come.”
The tactician further suggested that the youthful squad would now form the core of the team in the second tier.
“We are going down; we have to accept that and move on and prepare for next season.
At least before next season, we will be able to have rest and prepare the team well again. We will prepare with these young players and see what next.”
Mandela joined Orbit College in February and featured in his first three matches for the club. However, the experienced defender was absent from the squad during the final games of the season.