Latest news with #DenisOnyango
The Citizen
20-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
40-year-old Onyango dismisses retirement talk
'I speak with confidence on the fact that I'm still at Sundowns for another season,' Onyango said. Denis Onyango of Mamelodi Sundowns challenged by Craig Martin of Chippa United during the Betway Premiership 2024/25 match at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria on the 07 May 2025 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix Denis Onyango has no plans to retire just yet, despite adding a record 12th South African Premier League title to his illustrious career. The veteran Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper, who has been part of the club's domestic dominance, has confirmed his intention to continue playing beyond the current season. ALSO READ: All the pressure is on SuperSport as Pirates come to town The club now sets its sights on the CAF Champions League final against Pyramids FC and next month's FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. Although Onyango played second fiddle to first-choice goalkeeper Ronwen Williams this season, he still featured in 10 Betway Premiership matches, contributing to Sundowns' historic eighth consecutive league crown. 'To be honest, I'm still here and I think one more (season) and the body will talk to me. I speak with confidence on the fact that I'm still at Sundowns for another season,' Onyango responded when asked about his future. 'It's all about showing the young ones that it's possible regardless of your age. I'm probably on 2% left and exhausted the 98% but it's for the youngsters to know that you need to work hard and talent alone is not enough. The 40-year-old began his PSL journey with SuperSport United, where he won three league titles. He joined Sundowns in 2011, going on to lift a further nine championships with the Tshwane-based giants. His path to success has not been without challenges. After being loaned to Bidvest Wits during the 2013–14 campaign, Onyango returned to Sundowns stronger, playing a pivotal role in their 2016 CAF Champions League triumph. That same year, he was honoured by CAF as the African-based Player of the Year. 'The first one (title) was incredible because it was my second season in South Africa with our neighbours SuperSport United,' Onyango said while reflecting on his remarkable career. 'The other one that I won which I think was special was I came back from a loan at Bidvest Wits back to Sundowns. I always wanted to reward them for the faith they showed me. Winning that league title in 2016 ignited the fire in me but the group was good. ALSO READ: Chiefs coach Nabi – 'This news is bad for me' 'The 12th one is good because we had challenges. We lost the cup final, changed coaches but the target was to win the league, stay in the Champions League and make history because it's going to be very difficult to find another team that will win eight titles in a row.'
The Herald
15-05-2025
- Sport
- The Herald
Sundowns crowned league champions for eighth successive season
This was the 20th league match for Cardoso — a definite contender for the coach of the season for winning the league in his first season — since he took over from Manqoba Mngqithi in December. With him in charge, Sundowns have won 17 matches, drawn twice and lost only once and they have another chance to improve this record against Magesi FC. Sundowns went into this match needing a point to be crowned champions, but they took all three and registered their fifth league win in succession after a recent good spell. This result also means goalkeeper Denis Onyango, who turns 40 on Thursday, remains the most decorated footballer in the history of the PSL with 12 league titles. He has won nine with Sundowns and three with SuperSport United. Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso refreshed the team, with goalkeeper Ronwen Williams and defender Lucas Suárez returning to the team after they missed the last outing. In the midfield, he had Teboho Mokoena, Marcello Allende, Jayden Adams and Lucas Ribeiro while Tashreeq Matthews and Rayners were tasked with getting the much-needed goals. For Chippa coach Thabo September, there was no goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, but he still managed to pick a well-balanced team with the likes of Justice Chabalala, Giovanni Philander, Sinoxolo Kwayiba and Azola Matrose.
The Citizen
14-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Onyango sets sights on Chippa and continental success
'There's nothing that we're letting go because we know the importance of winning the game,' said the Sundowns goalkeeper. Mamelodi Sundowns veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango says securing maximum points against Chippa United can only help the side in their bid to win the CAF Champions League. Sundowns face Chilli Boyz The Brazilians are in East London to take on the Chilli Boyz in a Betway Premiership clash at Buffalo City Municipality Stadium, a match that could see Sundowns seal an eighth consecutive league title. ALSO READ: Riveiro urges Pirates fans to be patient with new coach A single point will be enough for Masandawana to clinch the championship. After the trip to the Eastern Cape, they will wrap up their domestic campaign with a home fixture against Magesi FC on Sunday. Then Sundowns will turn their attention to a blockbuster continental showdown against Pyramids FC on May 24 'We know the task, and the task is to win the game (against Chippa) and continue with our journey. There's nothing that we're letting go because we know the importance of winning the game,' said Onyango, who is chasing a 12th league winner's medal in South African football. 'For us, it's about winning the game and staying positive by taking anything for granted. We're looking at winning … because we're also building up to the final of the CAF Champions League. 'Having the momentum' 'The more we win, the more confident we'll go into that final so we're not looking at people who are behind us. We're looking at our own challenge and the challenge at the moment is Chippa United. We're focused on … having the momentum going into the Champions League final.' ALSO READ: Kaizer Chiefs' Motaung responds to Nabi exit reports The Ugandan shot-stopper already boasts 11 premiership titles, three with former club SuperSport United and eight with Sundowns since his arrival in 2011.
The Herald
08-05-2025
- Sport
- The Herald
Sundowns edge closer to league title with comfortable win over Chippa
For Chippa, they missed out on cementing a place in the top eight and they are under pressure from Kaizer Chiefs, Marumo Gallants, Richards Bay and Magesi FC below them on the standings. Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso made four changes to the team that beat Cape Town City 2-10 last weekend by resting goalkeeper Ronwen Williams and replacing him with veteran Denis Onyango. At the back, Cardoso recalled young defender Malibongwe Khoza to take over from Grant Kekana with Khuliso Mudau coming on for Thapelo Morena and in the midfield Jayden Adams was preferred for Lucas Ribeiro. Visiting coach Thabo September went with his tried and tested goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defence was marshalled by Thabo Makhele and Thabang Malaoa, but they found the tough going in the capital city.
The Citizen
30-04-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
We must lift that trophy
'Right now we are focusing on the Betway Premiership,' said the Sundowns goalkeeper. Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Denis Onyango says it is imperative that the side seal an eighth consecutive Betway Premiership title, before turning their attention to lifting the Caf Champions League trophy. ALSO READ: Wydad confirm Rulani exit Masandawana will host Richards Bay on Wednesday evening in the first of eight league games they have left, before taking on Pyramids FC of Egypt in the Champions League final. Sundowns' healthy lead Sundowns hold a nine point lead over Orlando Pirates at the top of the Premiership table, though the Buccaneers do have two games in hand. 'We take every game as it comes and right now we are focusing on the Betway Premiership,' said Onyango. 'We must lift that trophy. When it is time for the Champions League (final) we will shift focus. But every game is a final for us and we hope we can win all our remaining games.' There may be some tired legs in the Sundowns camp after another long season, especially this week, as the side return from a tough battle with Al Ahly in Cairo in the Champions League semifinals. Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso, indeed, has criticised South Africa's footballing authorities for scheduling this game so soon after the 1-1 draw at the Cairo International Stadium that took Sundowns to the final on the away goals rule. 'It will be a very difficult game (against Richards Bay), especially after playing in the Champions League and coming back (from Cairo). 'They are a hard running team and fighting for their lives, but we have the quality and must stay focused and get the results.' Relegation battle Richards Bay are indeed fighting for their lives, Papi Zothwane's side currently just three points above 15th-placed Cape Town City and 14th-placed SuperSport United. ALSO READ: Sundowns' heroes return to domestic action The KZN side have, however, won five of their last ten Premiership matches, losing just three and drawing two. Most recently, Thulani Gumede's late strike was enough to give them a vital 1-0 win over Cape Town City on April 18.
