Mamelodi Sundowns’ most experienced player, Denis Onyango, has revealed the one team he’s most eager to face at the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off on June 15.
The veteran goalkeeper is one of only three remaining players from the Sundowns squad that featured in the club’s first Club World Cup appearance in 2016. The other two are Thapelo Morena and current captain Themba Zwane.
Nicknamed “the Brazilians” for their flair and kit colors reminiscent of the Brazil national team, Sundowns have been drawn into a challenging group alongside Borussia Dortmund, Fluminense, and Ulsan HD.
Speaking at the Carling Black Label and Mamelodi Sundowns partnership launch in Johannesburg on Tuesday, Onyango highlighted the clash against Fluminense – dubbed “the battle of the Brazilians” – as the fixture he’s most looking forward to.
“Of course, I chose Flu because the club shares a nickname with Sundowns – the Brazilians. We really want to see how far we can go, pound for pound, against the Brazilians,” said Onyango.
“For me, the beautiful football they play is exciting. What I saw last season when they played in the Club World Cup against Man City was impressive – from the goalkeeper, no one kicks the ball long. They build from the back,” continued the former Uganda international
“We want to adopt that style because it reflects our own philosophy – what the club calls ‘Shoe Shine and Piano.' When we play against them, I want to see how they handle our counter-pressing and the hard running from our midfield to the strikers. Of course, I’ve seen other clubs play, but right now, I’m most excited about facing Fluminense,” added the Sundowns goalkeeper.
Onyango is one of Sundowns’ most decorated players, having won 15 trophies with the club and being named Africa's Best Goalkeeper at the 2018 CAF Awards held in Dakar, Senegal.
