Dennis Onyango in action
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Former captain and goalkeeper of the Uganda Cranes, Denis Onyango, has expressed his willingness to assist the national team in enhancing their goalkeeping sector as they prepare for the CHAN tournament.
A brief announcement from the official FUFA X account indicated that Onyango, who is currently in the country for his holiday, was approached by the Federation for assistance.
The ex-SC Villa goalkeeper will join the training camp in Luzira today to provide his support during his time in Uganda.
“Former Uganda Cranes goalkeeper and Captain Denis Onyango has graciously offered to support the CHAN squad’s goalkeeping department during his holiday in the country, after being approached by FUFA. He will join the team at Luzira today for a 10am training session, providing support for the duration of his stay,” wrote FUFA on X.
It’s important to highlight that Onyango is on holiday following his South African club, Mamelodi Sundowns, being eliminated from the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.
As one of the most respected figures in the national team and one of Uganda’s most celebrated footballers, he holds a significant status.
He made his first appearance for the national team back in 2005 during a FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Cape Verde. Since then, he went ahead to play for the Cranes 82 times, retiring from international duty in 2021.
Onyango is renowned as the most decorated player in the Premier Soccer League, South Africa’s premier club competition, with ten championship medals. He captained the national team during the 2017 and 2019 AFCON tournaments.
Thus, his involvement will provide considerable encouragement not only to the goalkeeping unit but to the national team as a whole.
The tournament, which was initially scheduled for 2024, was moved to this year in January and has been postponed again. It will now commence on August 2nd and continue for a month. Uganda will use the Mandela National Stadium in Namboole as their venue.
