RSAvsUGA: Onyango's words not taken for granted

Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Denis Onyango paid a special visit to the Uganda national team to share some words of motivation ahead of their big clash against Bafana Bafana on Friday evening. Here's a look!

The story

Uganda will open their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with an away clash against Bafana at the Orlando Stadium. Ugandan legend Onyango decided to pay a special visit to The Cranes during their preparation for the match just share some words of encouragement to the players.

The Sundowns veteran retired from international football in April 2021 as he closed the curtain to a lengthy international career that began in 2005.

A stalwart in the east-African country's history, the 39-year-old was named captain of Uganda in 2017, taking the armband from the retired former captain Geoffrey Massa, who also plied his trade in the PSL for the likes of Jomo Cosmos, University of Pretoria, Bloemfontein Celtic and Baroka FC. 

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Onyango would go on to lead Uganda at the 2017 AFCON, which was the first time in nearly 40 years since their last qualification. Moreover, the Masandawana shot-stopper also helped his nation clinch a second consecutive spot at the 2019 AFCON.

It is therefore evident that Onyango is held is esteemed regard not only in South Africa but most importantly in his country.

"I paid a courtesy visit to the Uganda Cranes camp as they prepare to take on Bafana Bafana this evening," the goalkeeper wrote on X.

"I issued them words of motivation and wished them well for their opening game in the #AFCON2025Q."

His words were certainly felt, as the Uganda acknowledged his words of wisdom, stating that they will not be taken for granted.

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