Cardoso backs Onyango to play ‘beautiful things’ at Sundowns

Miguel Cardoso says Denis Onyango remains an important member of Sundowns despite being short of regular first-team football, insisting the Uganda goalkeeper still has a significant future at the club.

Cardoso made the comments after Sundowns’ 2-1 league victory over Golden Arrows at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday, where he explained the difficult decisions facing him among his goalkeeping options.

Onyango travelled with the squad but was not named among the substitutes, serving as the additional goalkeeper for the match.

“Denis was here today with us; he was the third keeper.

“When we travel outside Johannesburg, we usually travel with an extra player and goalkeeper; he was an extra player. Last time it was not him; it was Reyaad (Pieterse). Both of them are level; that makes me feel it is unfair [to choose one over the other], but I can’t change the rules of the game and allow two players on the bench.

Cardoso said Onyango had accepted his current situation and continued to show in training that he remained capable of performing at the highest level.

“Denis is at peace with us; we are at peace with him. There are beautiful things ahead of him at the club. We will embrace him continuously because he can still perform at this level, and proves it every day in training.

“It’s a hell of a job having two of three keepers in the national team setup. To still have Denis and Reyaad at their level best since I arrived is unbelievable. And he could be playing. I must confess, it’s a tough one.”

The competition is particularly notable because of Onyango’s long-standing contribution to Sundowns. He has spent almost 15 years at the club, winning two CAF Champions League medals during that time.

The 39-year-old has also earned more than 80 caps for Uganda, having made his international debut against Cape Verde in 2005.

Ronwen Williams is currently first choice in goal for Sundowns, while Onyango, Pieterse and Ricardo Goss are competing for the remaining positions. Jody February is spending the season on loan at Siwelele FC.

Sundowns’ depth in the position has created an unusual selection problem. While many clubs would regard one goalkeeper of Onyango’s experience and quality as a major asset, Sundowns have four players competing for opportunities.

The situation has also fuelled speculation about Onyango’s future, with rumours of a possible departure circulating for several months. However, Cardoso’s comments suggest the club continues to value the veteran goalkeeper and does not view him simply as a player whose time is coming to an end.

For Onyango, who has spent almost half his life with Sundowns, the manager’s public backing offers reassurance that he remains part of the club’s plans, even if regular appearances are currently difficult to secure.