Onyango reveals motivation for coming out of international retirement

Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Denis Onyango has shared the reasons behind his decision to return to international football, having retired four years ago.

Onyango made a surprise return to the Uganda Cranes fold for the World Cup qualifiers against Mozambique and Somalia, being named in coach Paul Put’s 28-man squad.

The 40-year-old had initially retired in 2022 after Uganda failed to qualify for that year’s Africa Cup of Nations, having captained the side at the 2017 and 2019 editions of the continental tournament.

What pushed Onyango to return?

Denis Onyango in training with Uganda. Photo – FUFA

Given he is now a bit-part player at Sundowns and there are a host of young Ugandan goalkeepers who have emerged, including Richards Bay’s Salim Magoola, Onyango’s inclusion was a surprise and he has shared why he decided to rescind his international retirement.

“The best thing for a footballer is to always play for the national team,” Onyango told Telecomasia.net.

“CHAN has played a huge part in me rejoining the Uganda Cranes because I started off as a goalkeeper trainer and now the coach has called me to help the goalkeepers in the senior side for the World Cup qualifiers.

“The love you get from the people, your teammates and everyone is what has made me want to give back to my country.”

Sundowns keeper waiting for his chance

Denis Onyango with the Uganda Cranes. Photo – FUFA

Onyango had been working as one of the goalkeeper trainers for Uganda’s shot-stoppers at the recently-concluded 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN 2024) where the Cranes bowed out at the quarter-final.

The 12-time PSL winner is still waiting for his chance to play as coach Put opted for Magoola in goal as Uganda thrashed Mozambique 4-0 on Friday and having been an unused substitute, he will hope to be involved when they play Somalia on Monday.

Uganda are second in Group G with 12 points, same as Mozambique, but with a better head-to-head record, as Algeria lead with 18 points, and they will need to keep winning to finish at least second and make the playoffs.