By Robert Matakanye,

Orlando Pirates also known as the  Buccaneers are assessing Kenyan defender Brian Onyango Mandela fondly known as Niang to his many legion of fans , who has been a free agent  since parting ways with Maritzburg United at the end of last season.

Having managed only two clean sheets so far this campaign, and having conceded five goals in their last two matches, Pirates’ intentions are clear about reinforcing the defence as they aim to improve the team’s results. 

Soka25east.com has been informed that the 25 year old will remain with the club until their technical team have made a full assessment of his abilities this is after starting his trials on Monday.

Onyango  has been an integral part of his national team  Harambee Stars and has proved to be one of the top defenders in the league and was once also linked with Mamelodi Sundowns. 

The 25-year-old is a free agent, which will allow him to sign a deal outside of the transfer window, following his exit from the Team of Choice.

There will be no transfer fee involved in signing the towering centre-back.

He is available to join a new club as a local as he received his permanent residence status last season already Pirates’ assistant coach Fadlu Davids knows the player well, having coached him at Maritzburg, and it won’t take time for the centre-back to understand what is required of him at the club.