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Harambee Sars defender Brian Mandela will have a chance to play in the CAF Confederation Cup group stages after his new club qualified for the first time in their history.
Harambee Stars defender Brian Mandela will play in the CAF Confederation Cup group stages after his club Stellenbosch FC secured their place with a victory against AS Vita from DR Congo on Sunday.
The South African side recorded a 1-1 draw away, to go through 3-1 on aggregate, having won the first leg 2-0 at home last week.
Steve Barker’s men had to do it the hard way, however, after Ismail Toure was sent off on the stroke of halftime, forcing them to play the second half with 10 men.
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18:39 - 30.08.2024
Harambee Stars defender hopes for Stellenbosch reprieve after nightmare Mamelodi Sundowns spell
Mandela made less than 30 appearances in four seasons at Sundowns but hopes for a fresh start at Stellenbosch.
However, it is Stellenbosch who scored first when Lehlohonolo Mojela put them ahead on enemy territory but their hosts equalised in time added on to force the 1-1 draw.
Mandela was, however, not involved in the match as he was an unused substitute but he will be looking forward to more action in the group stages.
It has been a great start to the season for Mandela and Stellenbosch who have lost just one of their eight matches with this being their first draw.
The Stellies have made history as this will be the first time in which they will be contesting the group stages of a continental competition following their impressive run in the preliminary rounds.
Stellenbosch started their continental campaign with an 8-0 thrashing Nsingizini Hotspurs from eSwatini in the first preliminary round, following a 3-0 away win before prevailing 5-0 at home.
That leaves them as South Africa’s sole representatives in the Confederation Cup after Sekhukhune were eliminated by Lunda Sul from Angola on Saturday.
It is not the first time Mandela will be playing continental football as his former team Mamelodi Sundowns were a constant feature in the CAF Champions League in the three years he was there.
Mandela was released by Sundowns at the end of his contract last season and Stellenbosch snapped him up to add some experience to their defence. He has so far made one appearance, the 2-0 league opening loss to Golden Arrows on Wednesday.
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