While the Mamelodi Sundowns custodian was keen on pursuing the books, his top priority was to chase his dream as a professional footballer, and nothing was about to stand in his way.
As students at Makerere University wrapped up a whole week of graduation, acclaimed goalkeeper Dennis Masinde Onyango recalled how he missed out on finishing his studies.
He had enrolled at Makerere University Business School (MUBS) for a business course.
While the Mamelodi Sundowns custodian was keen on pursuing the books, his top priority was to chase his dream as a professional footballer, and nothing was about to stand in his way.
"I didn’t graduate from University," the Uganda Cranes legend declared as he appeared on NBS.
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And to Onyango, the players must perform at their best in the competitions leading to the grand edition if Uganda is to assert a grip on the continent.
"As I was still doing my Second Year at MUBS, an opportunity came up for me to move to play professional football. I went for it," he added.
Onyango further added, "I had to leave Uganda and go to Ethiopia because Micho (Milutin Sredojevic) had also moved to Ethiopia."
Onyango joined St. George in Ethiopia from SC Villa in 2005 for a stint that lasted for a year before joining Supersport United in South Africa.
"He (Micho) was a professional coach there, and he saw talent in me, and that’s where it all started for me because my dream was to play professional football."
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But, the Frenchman isn't settling for less and has asserted his optimism of reaching final. He had prior to the tournament, indicated that he targeted to finish "as far as we can go."
Onyango has gone on to establish a successful career and stamp himself as one of the most decorated players on the continent.
But, the regret of not finishing school stands; "All I wanted was to get done with my studies.
"Because, in football, you never know how far you can go, unless you get there and you can only work so hard to get to where you want to be."
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The goals took his season tally to eight in the league, two adrift of top-scorer Nelson Senkatuka.
Among the milestones Onyango has reached include a CAF Champions League, a CAF Super Cup, an African Super League, 10 PSLs, and three Nedbank Cups, among a host more.