Soka25east.com managed to get hold of Uganda Cranes and Mamelodi Sundowns first choice goalkeeper Dennis Onyango on Wednesday 7 days after leading his nation to a historic Gabon AFCON 2017 qualification on Sunday 4, at Namboole Stadium.
The burly keeper had already returned for club duty in South Africa when this reporter pinned him down for a chat on the lead up to the 1-0 win over Comoros that guaranteed them a spot on the table of men in 38 years, as one of the two group runner –up with the best records and the feeling after the great feat.
Uganda Cranes finally managed to crack the AFCON qualification puzzle after two near misses in 2011 when they were held by Kenya on the final day and in 2012 when they lost to Zambia on post-match penalties at the same level; in both occasions, Onyango,29, was a prominent figure under then Coach, Scotsman, Bobby Williamson.
Soka25east – How was it like making history with Uganda Cranes?
Onyango – It’s a great feeling because after trying for so many years with a lot of quality players we had in Uganda we couldn’t make it but this time round after learning our mistakes we managed to qualify.
Soka25east – What was the trick this time?
Onyango – I think it was when we played against Benin in the 2010 World Cup Qualifiers, and I made a lot of blunders in the game and we had another game in a weeks’ time but the Coach then (Bobby Williamson) believed in me and protected me from the media and gave me a second chance and from there I have never looked back I was improving day.
Soka25east – You managed to shake off a hamstring injury just in time for the match, were you at your best?
Onyango – I was not at my best but mentally I was ready to perform and lead the team.
Soka25east – That was a great show of character.
Soka25east – How important was Coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic in the campaign?
Onyango – He was fantastic for the team and the players because he is experienced in regards to Ugandan players and he knows how to get the best out of them because he does so much research and get to give players all the information about the opponents.
The former SC Villa, Supersport United and Mpumalanga Black Aces keeper is currently the reigning Premier Soccer League (PSL) goalkeeper of the year. He has been a stalwart for the Coach Pitso Masimone’s charges who have already sailed through to the 2016 CAF Champions League semi-finals, however, he will not rate himself among the best in Africa just yet.
Soka25east – You have been amazing for Sundowns both on the domestic and continental front; would you now consider yourself the best in Africa?
Onyango – Well I can’t say I’m the best in Africa until I win the champions league and God willing do well in AFCON. But it is not about me to judge, the people who come to watch and follow me get to do the judgment.
Soka25east – Is PSL the end for you or you still harbor ambitions of playing in Europe’s elite leagues?
Onyango – I can’t tell about my future because at the moment I am still contracted to Mamelodi Sundowns, and if the opportunity comes, I will talk to my club because everyone wants to play overseas but at the moment I’m at the best club.
Before I let him rest after returning from training, I had to ask him this one question his Kenyan fans won’t stop asking.
Soka25east – Tell me a bit about your background, do you have Kenyan blood?
Onyango – Burst into laughter!! Well I might say I have a little of Kenyan in me but I am Ugandan because I’m from the East of Uganda next to the border with Kenya, so I will say I fall both sides. I am from Busia but my mammy, she is a Muganda so a little bit of Kenyan blood you never know.
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