Months after announcing his desire to stay at African powerhouse Mamelodi Sundowns, former Uganda Cranes captain and legendary goalkeeper Denis Masinde Onyango has signed an extension with the club, pending official announcement, Footy-Africa can exclusively confirm.
The 40-year-old custodian, who is the most decorated player in the Premier Soccer League (the South African top-flight league) with 12 titles, has put pen to paper on a one-year contract that will push his stay with the club to 16 years, further stamping his legendary status.
In an exclusive interview with a source at DS, who are his representatives, the club handed Onyango the new deal, as they feel he is a major influence and leader in the dressing room. The club also further wants to gradually induct him into their coaching setup.
“He (Onyango) signed his new contract on Tuesday, extending his stay at Mamelodi Sundowns for one more season. He is arguably the most popular figure in the dressing room, and this played an important role in adding him another year. He is already back with the team and training, as he also studies his coaching badges. Mamelodi Sundowns wants him to be part of the coaching staff in the near future,” the source exclusively intimated to Footy-Africa.
Playing as backup to South Africa’s skipper Ronwen Williams, Onyango made 13 appearances last season with Mamelodi Sundowns. His tenure at Mamelodi Sundowns since he joined them in 2011, has been marked by numerous triumphs, making him arguably the most successful player in the club’s history.
Onyango’s trophy in his club career includes 13 Premier Soccer League (PSL) titles in Mamelodi Sundowns and Supersport United, three Nedbank Cups, two Telkom Knockouts, one CAF Champions League title, one CAF Super Cup and one MTN8 tournament.
It should be recalled that in 2016, he was named the African Player of the Year based in Africa after his pivotal role in Mamelodi Sundowns’ CAF Champions League victory. He was also named in the CAF Team of the Year in 2016 and 2018.
Meanwhile, internationally, Onyango retired from the Uganda National team, the Cranes, in 2021, after earning 82 official caps and leading the team to the 2017 and 2019 Africa Cup of Nations finals. In the latter tournament, they went all the way to the Round of 16.
