Denis Onyango’s remarkable trophy haul earns fresh praise as Sundowns veteran enters 21st PSL season

Denis Onyango has been praised for his professionalism and longevity after adding another trophy to an already remarkable Mamelodi Sundowns career.

The veteran goalkeeper is preparing for his 21st season in the PSL, a rare achievement that also underlines his status as the most decorated footballer to have played in South Africa during the PSL era.

Onyango has won 12 league titles, three Nedbank Cup trophies, two Telkom Knockout titles and two MTN8 crowns. His latest success came in the MTN8, adding to a domestic record few players in PSL history can rival.

His honours extend beyond South Africa. The Ugandan has also won the CAF Champions League twice, the CAF Super Cup, the African Football League and the African-Asian-Pacific Cup.

Those achievements give him a total of 24 trophies during his 20 years in the PSL. He is still contracted as a player at Sundowns and will turn 42 in May.

‘He is a true model’

Fikru Tefera, Onyango’s former team-mate at Ethiopian club Saint George, believes the goalkeeper’s career has been sustained by his discipline and commitment.

The pair played together before moving to South Africa in July 2006.

“I don’t think Denis gets enough credit for how he has been able to manage his career to stretch so long while winning trophies. I admire Denis for what he has done through his career because he is an example that everyone should look up to,” Tefera said.

“He is a player that should be looked up to by all kids and all the younger players coming up the ranks, he is a true model of living his life the right way, training well and looking after his body. The man still looks the same as he did when I played with him in Ethiopia some 20 years ago,” he told KickOff.com.

Tefera also pointed to Onyango’s attitude away from the spotlight, saying the goalkeeper remains dependable whenever Mamelodi Sundowns need him, regardless of how regularly he has been playing.

“He doesn’t attract the headlines with controversy but just gets on with doing his job with a smile. Even if he doesn’t play regularly anymore, whenever called for duty you are guaranteed that he will be ready,” he said.

“This shows that he doesn’t cheat the game and is honest in giving his job all his undiluted efforts without raising any complaints.”

‘Age is nothing but a number’

Onyango’s continued involvement with the Uganda national team was another indication of his enduring quality, according to Tefera. The Cranes are likely to call on him for next year’s AFCON finals.

“Uganda are still calling him up to the national team up to now and will likely play at the AFCON finals next year, so that tells you age is nothing but a number,” Tefera concluded.