Uganda captain and Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Denis Onyango has announced his retirement from international football.
The Cranes captain drafted a letter to the President of the Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) – Mr. Moses Magogo – to inform the football body of his retirement.
Just a few hours after helping South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns beat Chippa United 2-1 in the South African Premier League, the Cranes goalkeeper and captain Denis Onyango announced he has hung up his gloves from international football.
“It is with a heavy heart that I am announcing my retirement from international football. After much consideration, my family, managers and I decided it was in my best interest to hang my gloves on my beloved Cranes. Big thanks to every Ugandan over the years,” he noted on Twitter.
It is with a heavy heart that I am announcing my retirement from international football. After much consideration, my family, managers and I, decided it was in my best interest to hang my gloves on my beloved Cranes ?? Big thanks to every Ugandan over the years. pic.twitter.com/vH6CRK4USR
— Dennis Onyango ?? (@masindeonyango) April 12, 2021
Onyango also wrote to the FUFA President notifying the Federation about his decision.
“This letter represents my official notice of retirement from the Uganda National Football Team, The Cranes effective April 12, 2021. It has been a great pleasure and honour to represent my country and I will always appreciate the experience and knowledge that I have gained while playing for the Uganda Cranes,” Onyango wrote.
Denis Onyango is the second Ugandan to announce his retirement this month, following Hassan Wasswa Mawanda who also hung up his boots last weekend.
The Cranes goalkeeper had 79 caps to his name since making his international debut in 2005 against Cape Verde.
He started his career with Nsambya FC, SC Villa in Uganda before joining St. George in Ethiopia. He then played with Supersport, Black Aces, Bidvest Wits and is currently playing with the Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa.
Onyango will always be remembered for his tremendous contribution to the Uganda national team, as he led The Cranes to two AFCON finals (Gabon 2017 and Egypt 2019). He also won the CAF Africa Player of the Year award based in Africa in 2016, having guided Mamelodi Sundowns to their first CAF Champions League title.
