Humble Dennis Onyango not flattered by claims of being Uganda's greatest footballer

Dennis Onyango as a Uganda Cranes player|COURTESY

FOOTBALL Humble Dennis Onyango not flattered by claims of being Uganda's greatest footballer

Allan Damba • 11:12 - 22.11.2023

Despite this massive success, Onyango has kept humble and not bothered with debates that he ranks highest on the list of Uganda's finest footballers.

Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Dennis Masinde Onyango is arguably Uganda's most successful player in history, given his enviable trophy cabinet.

The Uganda Cranes legend has done it all at the club level, scooping multiple team and individual accolades.

Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Denis Onyango | Photo Credit: BackpagePix

He boasts a mammoth of titles, including the African Football League, CAF Champions League, a CAF Super Cup, 10 Premier Soccer League trophies, three Nedbank Cups, and an MTN 8 Cup.

Onyango has also previously clinched the African-based African Player of the Year as well as being named in the CAF Team of the Year on two occasions.

At the international level, he captained Uganda to the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, a feat that had eluded the country for close to four decades before repeating the same two years later.

Despite this massive success, Onyango has kept humble and not bothered with debates that he ranks highest on the list of Uganda's finest footballers.

Onyango while in action for the Cranes. (FUFA media).

"Well, being the first Ugandan to win the African Football League, the CAF Champions League and a few others is a gift from God," Onyango told Pulse Sports in an interview.

"I can't take it lightly, but the most important thing is to stay grounded and try to help the youngsters to do more than what I've done."

"It's possible; it's more about looking after yourself, longevity and staying disciplined," the custodian noted.

Onyango in goal for Sundowns. (Sundowns Media).

"But, for me, I don't look at where I am ranked in terms of where I rank in Ugandan football; that's for the general public to judge, to see what I have achieved and done for the country."

"It doesn't bother me; all I do is inspire the young ones and try as much as possible to remind them that regardless of your background, you can make it at the highest level," Onyango added.

Denis Onyango in training with Mamelodi Sundows. (Sundowns Twitter).

While Onyango is considered the greatest by many, the country hasn't been short of stars over the years, with the likes of Phillip Omondi, Majid Musisi, David Obua, Jackson Mayanja, Ibrahim Ssekagya, Jimmy Kirunda and many more all worthy mentions.