Mamelodi Sundowns News Today: Pitso lauded for bold decision, legendary keeper praised, & more

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Mamelodi Sundowns News Today: Pitso lauded for bold decision, legendary keeper praised, & more

The latest on Mamelodi Sundowns in the last 24 hours, including Pitso Mosimane being lauded for having Masandawana skipper in Bafana Bafana, why Denis Onyango is an inspiration, and more.

Mosimane lauded for having Zwane

Pitso Mosimane has been given a pat on the back for including the 37-year-old Themba Zwane in his Bafana Bafana team for the two upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

The new Bafana Bafana head coach is already being accused of favouritism in his squad selection by some, particularly for choosing Zwane and making him one of the captains.

While the Tembisa-born star’s intelligence cannot be questioned, his selection has sparked debate due to his limited minutes on the pitch at club level.

The veteran is currently struggling to start matches at Mamelodi Sundowns, with his age and match fitness meaning he can no longer play 90 minutes consistently.

He has made five appearances across all competitions since the season began.

“At the moment, I suppose Pitso is focusing on the two upcoming games. Zwane is a very experienced player, and I’m not surprised, to an extent, that he’s been brought back into the squad,” observes former Kaizer Chiefs coach Sergio Dos Santos, talking to KickOff.

Themba Zwane Mamelodi Sundowns

“But his inclusion doesn’t mean anything; he might be brought into the squad but not necessarily play. He might not be used, or he might be there for influence.

“He is well-known and experienced, so I don’t think it’s a bad decision. Let’s wait and see what he [Mosimane] plans to do with him.”

Bafana’s opening fixture of the AFCON qualifiers is against Guinea on Saturday, followed by Eritrea next Wednesday.

Onyango, an inspiration!

Mamelodi Sundowns veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango has been hailed as an inspiration as he continues to chart historic grounds.

Aged 41, Onyango was named in Uganda’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations squad, which is set to face Tunisia and Libya on 24 and 29 September, respectively.

With Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put still counting on his services, it’s not only him who sees the important role of the Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper — with Denis Onyango’s influence extending far beyond the pitch.

Uganda’s uncapped goalkeeper David Lukwago now insists that Onyango is an inspiration to him, according to Kawowo Sports, as he looks to learn from one of the most decorated players in South African top-flight history.

Lukwago, who has been trusted by Put to form part of the national team setup, expressed his gratitude at being called up and revealed that competing with Onyango is anything but intimidating.

“I feel happy to be trusted by the coach to be part of this team. I promise to put up a good performance in training and not let the coach down by doing what is exactly expected from me,” Lukwago said.

“[Competing with Onyango] It doesn’t give me any pressure. I have grown up admiring Onyango, so training with him is a big motivation and inspiration to me.”

Denis Onyango in training with Uganda. Photo FUFA

Another Ugandan star waxed lyrical about the South African top-flight’s most decorated player, with defender Jonathan Odongo — who earned his first national team call-up — also singling out Onyango for praise.

“Learning never stops, and indeed, this being my first time on the national team, I have to learn from players like Denis Onyango who have been here for some time and know what it means to play for Uganda Cranes,” Odongo stated.

For Onyango, the respect he commands within the Cranes camp is a testament to a remarkable career that has spanned over a decade at the highest level — and his presence continues to shape the next generation of Ugandan football talent.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

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Willis Sob is a sports betting expert and journalist covering Nigeria and South Africa, with 16 years of experience. With a background in journalism, reporting and programme production, he specialises in football odds, and his work has appeared on OK Africa and GOAL, as well as TV, radio and podcasts.

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