Kenyan International Brian ‘Niang’ Mandela made his way back to the pitch on Wednesday afternoon as his side – Mamelodi Sundowns – registered a last-gasp 2-1 victory over rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the team’s second game of the 2023-24 PSL season played at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.You’ll have to go back to 18 March 2023 (in a CAF Champions League fixture against Al Hilal Omdurman) for the last time the Kenyan actively played for Sundowns, but on Wednesday 9 August, the lanky center back made his comeback from the bench in the 77th minute, coming on to replace Peter Shalulile.77′ Subs 🚫 Abdelmounaim Boutouil | Peter Shalulile✅ Sipho Mbule | Brian Onyango#Sundowns #DownsLive #DStvPrem pic.twitter.com/A6xrgHZXts— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) August 9, 2023 His appearance, one that lasted for the remaining 14 minutes of the fixture, was the first time Mandela was getting involved in the team this season, after missing out on the team’s opening day victory over Sekhukhune United on Friday 4 August.The hosts got themselves in the lead in the 21st minute of the game through Lucas Ribeiro Costa, and after missing a dozen clearcut opportunities throughout the game, conceded an equalizer in the 84th minute via Ashley Du Preez.##NAJAVA_MECA_7417093##The game looked set for a draw before a bizarre moment – that saw Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Peterson fail to grasp a rather routine high shot from substitute Neo Maema – handed the league defending champions a 90th minute winner to extend their 100 percent start to the season.90′ GOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAALLLLL! Neo Maema scores in the last minute to restore our lead!#Sundowns #DownsLive #DStvPrem pic.twitter.com/kT2RxDAHxK— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) August 9, 2023 Sundowns, after two games, top the standings with six points and tied with second-placed Cape Town City who are yet to concede a goal this term.Mandela, prior to the league start, was reported to have been handed a two-year extension after his initial contract ran out on 30 June.Sundowns set to tie Brian Mandela down to new dealThe former Tusker player joined Sundowns in 2020 from Maritzburg on a three-year-long deal. He has won three league titles with the Pretoria-based club.The Brazilians next play Moroka Swallows in the MTN 8 Cup quarter-finals on Saturday 12 August 2023.
