Mokwena on what makes Brian Onyango special despite lack of game time

Mamelodi Sundowns mentor Rulani Mokwena has revealed what makes Brian Onyango special despite a lack of game at Chloorkop.

In the last two seasons, the Kenyan international has played 22 games across all competitions for Bafana Ba Style. 

However, Mokwena says he’s convinced over Onyango’s quality, as he plays a key part in Sundowns’ run-in. Mokwena went on to reveal why Onyango hasn’t been playing regularly in the Brazilians colours.

The Sundowns coach divulged that Onyango should have stopped playing football after sustaining a knee injury from a “psychological perspective.”

Mokwena was speaking ahead of Sundowns’ CAF Champions League tie against TP Mazembe at the weekend.

RULANI MOKWENA ON WHAT MAKES BRIAN ONYANGO STAND OUT AND WHY HE HASN’T PLAYING REGULARLY  

“Brian is a special breed. For Brian to be playing football [those +20 games], he’s defying logic,” said Mokwena.

“I mean, when he had a very serious injury to his knee, from a psychological perspective, he should have stopped playing football. 

“So, for the fact that Brian has played +20 games for Sundowns and he trains the way he trains and has the attitude that he has, he’s an unbelievable human being and very special.”

Mokwena further stated that Onyango’s presence in the changing room plays a huge role, given his leadership qualities. 

“His leadership in the change room is so important. We are also fortunate that we have so many captains in our team. We have Rowen Williams who’s the captain for Bafana, Brian who’s the national team captain for Kenya, Peter who’s a national team captain for Namibia, and Mothobi Mvala who was a captain at Highlands Park, I can go on and on,” he added. 

“Despite Brian, we have got far too many people who have defied the odds and continue to grow and improve. I think as a football club, we are very lucky to have some characters and personalities that we have in our team.” 

MAMELODI SUNDOWNS’ NEXT ASSIGNMENT 

Sundowns will welcome TP Mazembe in a CAF Champions League clash at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday, 2 March 2024. The game will start at 15:00.

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