Denis Onyango close to new Sundowns deal
Nov 29, 2014
Early this week, it was reported in South Africa media that Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Denis Onyango was close to renewing his contract with Mamelodi Sundowns.
By Fred Kaweesi
Early this week, it was reported in South Africa media that Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Denis Onyango was close to renewing his contract with Mamelodi Sundowns.
Onyango’s current three year deal expires in June but Sundowns have made their intentions clear of handing him a fresh contract. Onyango initially joined Downs on a three-year contract in 2011 with an option of a further year which was then exercised last year while he was on loan at Bidvest Wits.
But since returning to the club early this year, the 29-year-old, just like the previous three years, has largely been second choice to Kennedy Mweene.
Suffice it to say, he has barely played for the ‘Brazilians’. So would it be wise for the gangly goalkeeper to sign a new deal at the club? I personally think it will be the wrong decision to make.
It will be a disastrous choice, considering that Onyango has spent his best years redundant in the Sundowns reserves. Last season, Onyango barely played for Sundowns, not even against hapless opposition such as Powerlines, who conceded 24 goals in their Nedbank fixture.
Surely, if Onyango is going to develop his career, he will need to find a club that appreciates his qualities and allows him more time on the pitch than in the reserves.
Sportsmen endure horrible times and enjoy golden periods during their careers. It must be said that Onyango’s golden periods are still on if the evidence of his performances with the Cranes during the 2015 Nations Cup qualifiers was anything to go by.
Onyango’s size and agility made him hard to beat and his physical presence made Cranes’ shaky defence impenetrable. Onyango is highly regarded for his outstanding concentration and shot stopping abilities.
His 6ft 1inch frame is the other bonus. Onyango moved to South Africa in 2006 during which he signed for SuperSport United on a four year deal before joining Mpumulanga Black Aces for a season.
Although he acquired South Africa citizenship, a move to Europe would be the most ideal decision.
Onyango needs a new challenge but that comes with being ambitious. He will have to decide whether to settle for Sundowns exciting wages or choose a direction that will earn him big, improve his career curriculum Vitae and ultimately some silverware. Onyango, the choice is yours.
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