Key Takeaways
- Themba Zwane credits Denis Onyango with teaching Mamelodi Sundowns players the mentality required to win trophies
- The Uganda Cranes goalkeeper has won a record 12 Premier Soccer League titles during his career in South Africa
- Sundowns are chasing an eighth consecutive league crown and a second straight CAF Champions League final appearance
Mamelodi Sundowns skipper Themba Zwane has revealed that veteran shot-stopper Denis Onyango remains the true leader behind the club’s long period of dominance. Speaking on the Pitchside podcast, Zwane explained that he still consults the Uganda international before making important decisions, despite Onyango now playing a reduced role on the pitch.
Onyango joined the Brazilians in 2011 from Mpumalanga Black Aces after winning three league titles with SuperSport United. Zwane recalled how the goalkeeper immediately changed the culture at Chloorkop. “He taught us young players that we must adapt to a winning mentality,” Zwane said. “Even today, he directs us and reminds the new players about our club culture.”
The 38-year-old has collected nine Premier Soccer League medals with Sundowns, adding to his previous three with SuperSport. This makes him the most successful player in the history of South African top-flight football. He was also named the best goalkeeper in Africa when Sundowns captured their maiden CAF Champions League trophy in 2016.
Currently, the Tshwane giants stand on the brink of further history. They are closing in on an eighth straight domestic championship, which would hand Onyango his 13th personal league medal. The team also faces AS FAR Rabat next month in a two-legged final as they seek to defend their continental crown. Although he now serves as backup to Ronwen Williams, Onyango’s influence in the dressing room continues to shape the club’s pursuit of silverware.