Onyango touches 10th heaven with Sundowns' 16th

FOOTBALL Onyango touches 10th heaven with Sundowns' 16th

Shafic Kiyaga • 06:07 - 17.05.2023

Onyango becomes the first player to claim 10 league winners' medals, establishing himself as the most successful player in the country's footballing landscape.

Pretoria is buzzing with celebration as Mamelodi Sundowns, led by goalkeeper Denis Onyango, mark their sixth-successive league title in South African football.

The Brazilians secured the DStv Premiership title in April, with an impressive seven games remaining in the season.

Although their final game ended in a 1-1 draw against Maritzburg United, it did not dampen the festivities as they collected the championship trophy.

This triumph not only marks Sundowns' sixth consecutive victory in the DStv Premiership but also grants them the accompanying R15 million prize money.

With this success, the club's league titles tally reaches an impressive 16, four more than their closest rivals, Kaizer Chiefs.

Coach Rhulani Mokwena hailed the DStv Premiership as the most important trophy in the country, highlighting the significance of the achievement.

"This is the most important trophy in the country, it is the championship,” Rhulani told SuperSport TV.

“It is a tournament that runs for 10 months and goes home and away against every opponent and you have to be at your best consistently to win it.”

“My players are good footballers and that makes it easier for us. We are privileged as the technical team to work with this group of players.”

“As demanding as this job is, it is moments like these that make it extremely rewarding,” he added.

Amidst the jubilation, the trophy presentation coincided with the funeral of Alex 'Goldfingers' Shakoane, a revered club official and iconic figure in South African football.

This bittersweet moment added a touch of poignancy to the celebrations, honouring Shakoane's lasting contribution to the club.

Mamelodi Sundowns' dominance is further underscored by their remarkable feat of winning the DStv Premiership in April, a month earlier than any previous team, and sealing the title with seven matches left in the campaign, a new record.

These milestones solidify their legacy as they secure their sixth consecutive Premier Soccer League triumph and extend their overall record to 13 championships.

Despite only featuring in three league matches this season, veteran goalkeeper Onyango has etched his name in South African football history.

Onyango becomes the first player to claim 10 league winners' medals, establishing himself as the most successful player in the country's footballing landscape.

His journey began with three titles at SuperSport United from 2008 to 2010, followed by seven more with Sundowns, starting from their 2016 league success and spanning the six successive triumphs from 2018 to the current season.

Hlompho Kekana, who recently left Sundowns after securing his eighth league winners' medal, stands as the next player on the list. Kekana won two titles at SuperSport United and added six more with Sundowns.

Kennedy Mweene, Onyango's teammate, also boasts seven winners' medals, but due to not featuring in any league games this season, he cannot match Kekana's tally.

As the celebration ensues, attention now shifts to the CAF Champions League. Sundowns are preparing for the second leg of their semi-final clash against Wydad Casablanca, following a goalless draw in the first leg.

The Brazilians, with their sights set on continental glory, previously secured the prestigious competition's title in 2016 by defeating Zamalek in the final.