Former Maritzburg United central defender Brian Mandela Onyango is reportedly on trial with Orlando Pirates as he looks to convince the club to offer him a contract.

Pirates were openly vying for Bidvest Wits defender Thulani Hlatshwayo in the recent transfer window, but after failing to secure a deal for the Bafana Bafana captain it looks as though they have turned their attention elsewhere.

Kenya international Onyanago signed for Maritzburg United in 2015 after an earlier spell at Santos and quickly became a regular in the team as he helped them avoid relegation last season.

The 25-year-old was however released by the Team of Choice, leaving him free to seek out potential suitors.

The Kenya international was surprisingly released by the Team of Choice prior to the start of the current campaign after years of serving the club.

The 25-year-old player was previously linked with Mamelodi Sundowns when he was still contracted to Maritzburg United, but now free-agent reports indicated that the Soweto giants are keen to bolster their backline with the big defender.

Having worked with Pirates assistant coach Fadlu Davids during his time at Maritzburg, Onyango is hoping to impress Rhulani Mokwena and earn a contract with the Sea Robbers.