Kenyan international Brian ‘Niang’ Mandela missed the last game of the season for his Mamelodi Sundowns side due to what is suspected to be a flu infection after the club reported a massive outbreak within the camp.Having already secured the 2021/2022 South African Championship with four games to spare, the Brazilians went into their postponed clash against Royal AM missing the services of Mandela among a host of other names.Players ruled out of today’s match 🚫 ◾ Pieterse◾ D. Onyango ◾ Morena◾ B. Onyango◾ De Reuck◾ Zwane◾ Kapinga◾ Maboe◾ Jali◾ Ralani◾ Maluleka◾ Mkhuma◾ Coetzee◾ Domingo◾ Safranko◾ Motupa◾ Erasmus#Sundowns #DStvPrem pic.twitter.com/6qDnaFOcEN— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) May 23, 2022 In a statement on their official website, the club confirmed the development as team doctor Carl Tabane revealed tests for the full flu panel that includes influenza, COVID-19, RSV PCR will be done to the players as a precaution.“Following the postponement of Mamelodi Sundowns DSTV Premiership match at Chatsworth Stadium due to rain, the Club has experienced an outbreak flu which has affected the majority of its players. Considering the symptoms, which are of a respiratory nature and affect almost the entire squad, the club is ensuring that all the necessary steps are taken to safeguard the players and everyone that they interact with on-and-off the field,” “The players are being tested for the full flu-panel that includes influenza, COVID-19, RSV PCR to establish the exact cause of the symptoms. In recent weeks, the country has witnessed an overlap in all these 3 viruses, and it is crucial that we conduct the testing as they present similar signs and symptoms. We continue to follow the necessary precautions,” Tabane said.However, in the absence of several players, Sundowns still managed to get the job done as they finished their season with a 2-3 win. Gaston Sirino, Thabiso Kutumela and Peter Salulile grabbing the goals that gave the team a 3-0 lead by the 61st minute.And that’s a wrap for the 2021/22 #DStvPrem season! 🏆Royal AM (69′ Letsoalo, 76′ Mogaila) 2️⃣➖3️⃣ Mamelodi Sundowns (13′ Sirino, 48′ Kutumela, 62′ Shalulile)#Sundowns pic.twitter.com/sUmDEaDBIL— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) May 23, 2022 Royal AM threatened to spoil the party with two goals in seven minutes from Victor Letsoalo and Shaune Mogaila but Sundowns’ blushes were spared as Letsoalo missed a penalty in the game.
