Reports from South Africa indicate that Maritzberg United defender Brian Mandela Onyango is yet to show up for preseason fueling speculations over his future at the club.

The Kenyan international, who signed two-year deal with “the team of choice” in July 2015 from Santos, has been heavily linked with a move to African Champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

Maritzberg United chairman Farook Kadodia sees Sundowns hand in Mandela’s unexplained absence.

“I don’t know exactly why Brian is delaying his stay in Kenya, speak to Mamelodi Sundowns, ask them why all the players they have targeted everywhere are not training with their respective clubs,” Kadodia told KickOff.com.

Mendela’s Nairobi mobile phone number is “temporarily out of service” an indicator he could be out of the country.

Sundowns’ media officer Thulani Thuswa has nonetheless distanced himself from Kododia’s assertions saying “the Brazilians” are no longer interested in the former Tusker FC defense kingpin.

“…we have since revoked our interest in Brian Onyango,” Thuswa Said.

He added: “I’m not sure why Brian Onyango is unsettled, but it has nothing to do with us.”

Mandela’s last two seasons at Maritzberg United have been impressive – earning him admiration from big wigs like Kaizer Chiefs and Sundowns.

His eye for goal, especially from set piece situations, saw him deliver important wins for the team of choice further raising his profile in the ABSA Premiership.