Uganda Cranes Goalkeeper Denis Masinde Onyango’s patience at Premier Soccer League side Mamelodi Sundowns is beginning to pay dividends.
Kawowo Sports’ Clive Kyazze caught up with Onyango as he talked about life at Sundowns, his relationship with Kennedy Mwene, professional journey in South Africa so far, and his regrets with national team.
Kawowo Sports: You have kept goal for Mamelodi Sundowns for eight straight matches. Is this the longest spell you have had in the goal since you moved to South Africa?
Yes this has been the longest since I joined the club, not in South Africa, because I played more regularly at SuperSport.
Kawowo Sports: What kept you on the bench at Mamelodi Sundowns all this long yet many believe you were better than Kennedy Mwene?
The team was winning and he was doing well at the same time, so I had to be patient because it’s not easy for a goalkeeper to have a chance to play like u see at Chelsea with Petr Čech.
Kawowo Sports: By the way, how would you describe your relationship with Mwene before and now that you are first choice and he sits on the bench?
It’s not easy for someone to sit on the bench but you have to be professional and do the job because you have a contract so I supported him when he was playing so he is also returning the favor. We are helping each other in all aspects.
Kawowo Sports: So are you the first choice goalkeeper now?
For now I am the first choice, I think 2015 has been so far good for me.
Kawowo Sports: Now that you’re the first choice, what measures are you putting in place to make sure you stay that way?
I just need to keep focused and work hard, and also keep more clean sheets for the team because I know what I am capable of.
Kawowo Sports: Talking of clean sheets tell me about the new nickname Mr Clean sheets
(laughs) I have no new name it’s just the old names I have, I think I have only conceded once in six games.
Kawowo Sports: Is it true that in 2010 you lost your number because a South African needed playing time ahead of the World Cup.
Well I was new at the club and he (Moeneeb Josephs) was playing well the previous season for the club. They finished 2nd and they believed in him more than me so all I could do was to work hard and support him.
Kawowo Sports: Talking of the league right now, Sundowns are eight points behind Chiefs on the log, are you optimistic you can defend the league title?
We still believe we can turn things around because we still have to play them (Kaizer Chiefs) and they also have some tough games to go so we are very much optimistic, as long as we keep on winning.
Kawowo Sports: Last season Sundowns loaned you to Bidvest Wits, whose decision was it, yours or the club?
I asked the club to release me but they felt that I still have something to offer to sundown and they decided to loan me than to sell me
Kawowo Sports: Why did you ask to be released?
It was not helping for me to just sit on the bench and get the money and not playing, yet I had to look for game time some were else.
Kawowo Sports: When you look at the four clubs you have played for in South Africa (Mamelodi Sundowns, Mpumalanga Black Aces, Bidsvest Wits, Supersport) which one do hold close to your heart, ignoring the fact that you’re at Sundowns now?
I think Supersport because that’s where I started playing in South Africa and also won 3 league titles
Kawowo Sports: As a footballer growing up, who is that person that has had the biggest influence on you?
My family has always influenced me all the way, even when things were not going my way they were on my side
Kawowo Sports: When you talk of family, who are you referring to in particular, parents, Sibling, fiancé or kids?
My parents and brother and my sisters plus my wife and kids not forgetting friends.
Kawowo Sports: And Eddie Butindo, who is he to you?
He was my coach briefly, but I also learnt a lot from him
Kawowo Sports: Would you say you have had a successful International career?
I have been consistent but I didn’t achieve my goal, I have played since I joined the national team as a number 1 but didn’t play in big tournaments
Kawowo Sports: When do you plan to hang up your gloves?
I think I have hanged them up, I think it’s time for change, anyway am joking I believe I still have something to offer to my country.
