Why Brian Mandela will stick with Harambee Stars despite surgery

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Mandela is escorted off the pitch after the injury during training Photo: Courtesy

Injured Harambee Stars defender Brian Mandela is expected to jet into Egypt from France before the AFCON 2019 kicks off and rejoin his colleagues in camp.

The Maritzburg United player underwent surgery on his right knee on Wednesday 19th June in France automatically locking him out of the prestigious tournament.

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This is undoubtedly a huge blow to the National Team’s preparation but there is no lamentation time for coach Migne who quickly replaced him with US-based youngster Joseph Stanley Okumu.

Head Coach Sébastien Migné has affirmed however that the sturdy no-nonsense defender will remain in camp as the team prepares for future engagements even after the AFCON outing.

Harambee Stars touched down in Egypt on Tuesday 18th June night after 19-day camp in Paris France. The team proceeded to hold the first training session under floodlights on Wednesday evening in Cairo ahead of the Friday kickoff.

Kenya is making a much welcome return to the continental showpiece after 15 years of absence. Preparations have been promising after beating Madagascar in Paris and settling for a 1-1 draw with DCR on Saturday in Madrid.

Back to Mandela….

The player has been linked to a move from his PSL club to league giants Sundowns or Pirates during the transfer window after what was a motivating show last season despite his club’s low placing.

He made 20 appearances and scored a goal.

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