Former Tusker goalkeeper Brian Bwire has opened up on former Harambee Stars captain Brian Mandela’s role in his transfer to South African side Polokwane City.Bwire joined Polokwane before the start of the current season after parting ways with Tusker following the expiry of his two-year deal with the Brewers.The custodian revealed that Mandela, who has played professional football in South Africa for close to ten years, introduced him to an agent who brokered the deal to Polokwane.“Mandela has been like a big brother to me. We normally talk and share a lot. He played a very big role in my transfer to Polokwane by connecting me to the agent who ensured that I signed the deal,” he told Mozzart Sport.Although the former Kariobangi Sharks goalkeeper is yet to make his debut for the club at the competitive level, he believes he will leave a rich legacy in the South African league just like Mandela and former Stars captain Musa Otieno.##NAJAVA_MECA_8358090##Mandela, who is currently attached to Stellenbosch, won six titles during his stay at Mamelodi Sundowns.“He has achieved remarkable success in the South African league, something I wish to do. Of course, his success is a result of the hard work he has been putting in and I believe my efforts will bring forth success in my career,” stated the former national U20 skipper.Gad Mathews message to Gor Mahia fans after a decent performance against Al AhlyMandela, is not the sole player whose success has been motivating Bwire in his bid to leave a mark in one of the competitions regarded as the best on the continent.Other players inspiring Bwire in South AfricaThe 24-year-old revealed that he also looks up to former Uganda Cranes captain and long-serving goalkeeper Dennis Onyango.The 39-year-old has won all titles offered to top-tier clubs in South Africa with Mamelodi, an outfit he has served since 2011.“I want to be the best goalkeeper in this league, just like Onyango was some seasons ago. He has achieved everything players in this competition desire to,” he said.The presence of his compatriot Ian Otieno at Richards Bay is also a rich source of inspiration for Bwire.Otieno, joined Richards Bay before the start of the season after cutting ties with former Zambian Super League champions Zesco United.“Ian is my senior whom I respect for the success he has achieved in Zambia. He is always in the national team and I am sure he will have a successful stint with his club,” he praised the former AFC Leopards shot-stopper.What Arnold Origi told Bwire before signing for PolokwaneFormer Gor Mahia target aiming to clinch University Games world title with Kenyatta UniversityIt is an open secret that former Stars goalkeeper Arnold Origi and Bwire are close friends.At some point, Origi was accused of attempting to facilitate the transfer of the former national U23 team goalkeeper to an unnamed Norwegian club unprocedurally.Bwire disclosed that Origi had contributed massively to the growth of his career by offering advice, training, and tips on how to survive in foreign leagues.He said the long-serving Stars gloveman was at hand to counsel him after landing the deal and is always concerned with his well-being in South Africa.“Arnold is my role model and confidant. He has played a huge part in my career and most importantly, he has prepared me for life in professional football. His longevity and success have always inspired me to work hard,” he said.Salum keen on becoming third Kariobangi Sharks player to win FKF Premier League’s ‘Golden Boot’Meanwhile, Bwire, who has recovered from a muscle sprain that had kept him out of action for two weeks, hopes to make his Polokwane debut next month.He, however understands that he was to be at his best to dislodge Equatorial Guinean goalkeeper Manuel Sapunga who has conceded a goal in the two matches played so far on the season.He also hopes to make a comeback to the national team.
