Veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango has described his return to the Uganda Cranes as a special moment, calling it an honour to once again wear national colours ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier matches against Mozambique and Somalia.
‘First of all, happy to be back. Round two. It was good news for me because I was also in camp for the club when the call-up came and I shared the news with the team and they were very happy for me because all of them knew that I had retired but some of them wanted to see me back for probably the final time. For me it was incredible to be called back to the national team and to represent the national team and of course the club because when I’m here I’m also representing the club that I play for. So it was good news for everyone at the club and they were wishing me all well,’ Onyango said.
The Mamelodi Sundowns shot-stopper added that he is relishing the chance to work alongside a new crop of players.
‘For the boys, most of them I have played with and some I have not. I am getting to know them better. Time will tell but it is a very young group, a very energetic group and ready to fight. So for me I am just happy to be with the young blood. They will work hard for me, I believe they will work hard.’
Onyango stressed that no player is guaranteed a place in the starting line-up, highlighting the competition for places among the goalkeepers.
‘There are no guarantees that I am to start. There is Jamal, there is Mutakubwa, there is also Alionzi but yes the position is there for grabs. There is no guarantees in football. Whoever is ready to represent and give the national team the best will play and all we want is for the team to win and get maximum results.’
Reflecting on the responsibility that comes with his return, Onyango noted that experience and unity will be key for the Cranes.
‘Well the responsibility remains the same because what is needed is the results. Regardless of whether I have come in for the second time or the first time, the performance is what speaks volumes. So what we need to do is to support each other and be positive because it is very, very important to stay positive and know that we are all fighting for the same goal. Of course every team needs senior players and young blood because the young blood gives more energy and the senior players help the players to calm down when there is pressure to help them to manage the game. The game requires a lot of experience but it also requires a lot of running which is done by the young ones and that is what we share. We share different ideas, we pick up the good ones and we get the results because no one can win with only youngsters. The team always needs senior players and youngsters to be blended so that they get the results.’
Twenty-three out of the thirty summoned players are so far in camp. They include Mutyaba Travis, Ronald Ssekiganda, Alionzi Nafian, Denis Onyango, Magoola Salim, Kakande Patrick, Serunjogi Joel, Ssemugabi Jude, Mpande Joseph, Achayi Herbert, Gavin Kizito, Rogers Torach, Mukundane Hillary, Allan Okello, Mpande Reagan, Omedi Denis, Mutakubwa Joel, Watambala Abdu Karim, Semakula Kenneth, Elio Capradossi, Rogers Mato, Uchechukwu Mubiru Ikpeazu and Toby Sibbick.
