Former Uganda international goalkeeper Denis Onyango says he would have loved to play against South Africa, as the Cranes prepare for a friendly match against Bafana Bafana in Soweto on Thursday evening.
Onyango was recently awarded the DStv Premiership’s goalkeeper of the season award. He had an amazing time with Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa. The veteran hung up his international gloves earlier this year after Uganda’s failure to qualify for the next Africa Cup of Nations.
A former captain of the Cranes, Onyango told Sowetan Live that he would have enjoyed playing against the national team of the country he has played his club football in since 2006.
“I would have loved to be there to play, but unfortunately I have retired,” said the 36-year-old Uganda star.
“I saw that Bafana have called [up] many youngsters and Uganda are trying to rebuild. I anticipate a good game between the two countries.
“I hope to be at the stadium. I want to be there and get the feel of supporting my country [Uganda]. My job is to encourage and support the team.”
He continued, “It is a battle between two new coaches. Bafana has a new coach [Hugo Broos, who will not be present for the match, with assistant coaches Helman Mkhalele and Cedomir Janevsk at the helm] and the same thing applies to Uganda [Mubiru Abdallah].
“We have many young players and we hope that they will give us a good show. I am looking forward to the game and cannot wait to see my country in action.”
South Africa and Uganda last met in a COSAFA Cup match in 2019, which ended 1-1 in Durban after goals from Uganda’s Dan Sserunkuma and South Africa’s Luther Singh.
