The Brazilians can trigger the two-year option that was in Mandela's initial contract.
Mamelodi Sundowns are keen on keeping Harambee Stars defender Brian Mandela.
Mandela's contract with the South African giants is understood to have ended on June 30, but he is still with the team as talks for a new deal go on.
According to reports in South Africa, the Premier Soccer League winners are still interested in keeping the former Tusker defender even though reports had indicated he was one of the players to be released.
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"Brian is in camp with the team. You know, technically, he is still a Sundowns player, as they can exercise the option at any time. You know with the option, the team has the advantage over the player, and that's why they are relaxed," the publication reported.
"He could not still be with the team if they didn't need him. I think they still need him, though as a player he is not quite sure of his future. But if they are not telling you to leave, then there is hope. So, for now, I think the team is just buying time, but they still need him.
"If you look at the central defenders we have, he still has space to play or provide backup in times of injuries and suspensions. So, it's really not yet over for him."
Mandela was, in most cases, partnered with Rushine de Reuck at the heart of Masandawana's defence, although he had to deal with injury throughout the season.
With Sundowns expected to feature in the CAF Champions League, a number of domestic competitions, and even the inaugural CAF Super League, renamed the Africa Football League, they will need a squad with depth, so releasing the Harambee Star defender is unlikely.
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