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Mandela remained an unused substitute as Mamelodi Sundowns were held 1-1 by Orlando Pirates on Saturday.
Harambee Stars defender Brian Mandela was a no-show as Mamelodi Sundowns were held 1-1 by Orlando Pirates in a Premier Soccer League fixture that took place on Saturday night.
Mandela, who last featured against Supersport United in November, remained an unused substitute throughout the match.
Several reports indicate that Mandela decided to take a sabbatical from representing Harambee Stars. He aims to work his way back into Rulani Mokwena's considerations to become a regular starter before making his return to action for Kenya.
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09:31 - 18.02.2024
STARS ABROAD Kenyan defender Harper unable to help Exeter prevent defeat to Lincoln
The Harambee Stars left back put a shift in but could not help Exeter avoid defeat to Lincoln.
Mandela has made six appearances for Sundowns this season, and five of them have been off the bench.
The initial phase of the match lacked fluidity as both teams engaged in robust challenges, disrupting the flow and limiting goal-scoring opportunities.
Pirates saw an early chance after ten minutes when Evidence Makgopa attempted a curled shot, but Ronwen Williams made a crucial save.
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21:00 - 17.02.2024
STARS ABROAD Harambee Stars prospect Bruce Kamau on song as Perth Glory continue fine form
Bruce Kamau was instrumental in helping Perth Glory grab yet another win in the Australian A league.
The home team resisted the pressure and came close to taking the lead on the half-hour mark when Peter Shalulile's header from a Thembinkosi Lorch play narrowly missed. However, neither team could break the deadlock, and the first half concluded with a 0-0 score.
The second half unfolded similarly, with both teams making robust tackles. The Buccaneers faced a setback when Miguel Timm received a second yellow card in the 54th minute for an unnecessary interception while Williams attempted to clear the ball from his penalty area.
In the 76th minute, Marcelo Allende opened the scoring, giving Sundowns a 1-0 lead. Shortly after, Pirates were awarded a penalty, and defender Tapelo Xoki successfully converted it, leveling the score at 1-1.
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12:00 - 17.02.2024
STARS ABROAD Kenyan defender Gitau battles in Middlesbrough U21's tough defeat to Villa
Gitau made his fifth PL 2 appearance of the season for Middelsborough but could not do much to prevent them losing heavily to Aston Villa.
The game concluded in a 1-1 draw, maintaining Sundowns' position at the top of the table with 39 points, while Bucs retained their fifth-place standing with 26 points.
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